It's time for the public to consider steps against the levy that brings millions to municipalities and the public is completely unaware of it
An opinion article by lawyers specializing in municipal taxation argues that open public space (OPS) levies imposed by local authorities constitute double taxation, are enacted without sufficient public debate, and bring millions of shekels into municipal coffers at the expense of property owners and developers. The article calls on the public to organize and take action against the levy.
An opinion article by lawyers Hagai Borstein and Alex Katz from Katz, Geva, Itzkovitz (KGI), a firm specializing in municipal taxation, warns against the open public space (OPS) levy imposed by local authorities. The article argues that this is double taxation, in addition to existing betterment levies and development fees. According to the writers, at least four municipalities have passed such a bylaw in the past year, including Rishon LeZion, Haifa, Be'er Sheva, Rehovot, Ashdod, and Acre. The article criticizes the lack of public debate and arbitrary approval, noting that in Rishon LeZion the bylaw was approved in an extraordinary session. The writers call on residents to organize neighborhood groups, sign petitions, contact the media, protest, and approach elected officials, as well as consider legal steps such as an administrative petition. The article notes that in the past, the approval of the Minister of the Interior was required for bylaws, but an amendment from 1988 removed this requirement, transferring responsibility to the local authority.