MKs greenlight series of increased fines against individuals, corporations that illegally cut down trees

Billie Frenkel
Published: 07.27.12

The Knesset’s Constitution, Law and Justice Committee approved a series of amendments to the Forests Law, allowing for increased administrative fines for anyone vandalizing trees or greenery.

Any corporation violating the law will be subjected to double the fine as an individual.

The Agriculture Ministry said that the new regulations will afford for speedy enforcement with greater deterrence for anyone illegally cutting trees.

An individual illegally cutting a tree will be fined NIS 7,500 (about $1,900) and corporations will be fined double the amount.

The uprooting or burning of a tree will be fined by NIS 10,000 ($2,500) for an individual or double that amount for a corporation.

Agriculture Minister Orit Noked said: “Trees are a public asset and their conservation is a matter of both ecology and our quality of life.

“The fines approved will enable us to better protect trees in Israel and will also prevent cumbersome red tape.”

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