According to treasury officials, a number of government agencies have managed to accumulate a collective debt of NIS 2.5 million, and the state’s collection mechanism is beginning to take action towards collecting the money due. This debt refers to unpaid parking summonses issued to government vehicles. Leading the scofflaws is the IDF with a debt of NIS 1.5 million. In second place is the Defense Ministry with NIS 350,000, and Israel Police with NIS 250,000. NIS 90,000 of that sum from tickets to vehicles assigned to National Police Headquarters.

Government collection officials indicate they may not be an alternative to beginning to impound vehicles towards compelling agencies to pay their bill. The matter will be weighed by the traffic courts and Israel Police.

The problem stems from the many vehicles not assigned exclusively to one driver. Those summonses, if unpaid, are transferred to the general collection division in the treasury. Rivka Aharoni, of the state’s collections service, explains the state’s attitude towards collecting from government agencies and private individuals must be the same.

Israel Police responded to the report, stating the information was received and Major-General Ilan Franco has been given the responsibility to review the facts and figures and address the situation. The IDF has yet to respond to the report.

Other government agencies that owe money include the Government Motor Transport Division (NIS 79,000), Israel Land Administration (NIS 23,000), Health Ministry (NIS 20,000), IDF Civil Administration (NIS 19,000), Transportation Ministry (NIS 15,000), and Ministry of Industry & Trade (NIS 15,000).

(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)