Jerusalem Light Rail vandals caused NIS 326 million in damage, government admits in budget talks

During a discussion on increasing the budget for 2024, the Ministry of Finance tried to divert NIS 78 million to “public transport” – although in the explanatory booklet the request was for security and payment of compensation to the light rail contractors. This amount is in addition to NIS 248 million already transferred to pay for the heavy damage suffered by contractors since 2020, bringing the total damage to NIS 326 million.

In response to opposition members’ complaints about the prioritization of the light rail, the Finance Ministry argued that the money needed to be transferred in order to complete the entire NIS 13.8 billion light rail project. “They burned equipment and delayed the contractors’ work, causing them significant losses. These must be compensated,” a Finance Ministry official said.

The damage has also delayed the planned opening of the new light rail route from late 2025 to mid-2026. The route runs through northern Jerusalem and connects the Hebrew University on Mount Scopus with the Givat Ram campus. Charedi residents near Bar Ilan St. say the train will lead to the cancellation of bus routes and force them to travel with secular residents of the capital.

Opposition members on the committee questioned why police were not making more arrests to contain the violent protests and prevent damage and the need for security, which would have greatly increased the costs. MK Naama Lazimi (Labor) was furious that the budget was comparable to that needed to rehabilitate the entire northern region, but that the light rail was being prioritized in the meantime. Other MKs questioned why the money should not be used to prevent road accidents, in a year that saw the highest number of casualties in 20 years.

The police responded by saying: “The police are working resolutely to combat violence and vandalism in relation to the opposition of extremist elements to the light rail works. Since construction work began on the route, over 200 suspects have been arrested for causing disorder, violence and vandalism and dozens of charges have been laid. Civil damages claims have also been filed against a number of those involved. The police presence has been increased and this has resulted in a significant reduction in vandalism in the area, and police activity will continue until the works are completed.”