The Keren Kayemeth LeIsrael (KKL) has announced its entry into the Israeli real estate market, with plans to purchase and rent hundreds of homes in peripheral and conflict areas at reduced prices. Led by new chairman Eyal Ostreinsky, this initiative aims to offer rent reductions of 60% to 70% to attract economically and socially strong families, including graduates from pre-military programs. The first approved step involves purchasing 120 vacant apartments in Kiryat Shmona for approximately 50 million shekels. This move is intended to bolster population in peripheral areas but has drawn criticism over potential impacts on free market rents and the local community. Some view it as a strategy to favor certain groups, particularly ultra-Orthodox and missionary communities, at the expense of other residents.
