Court Bars Former Or Yehuda Mayor from City Hall Following Assault

A Rishon LeZion Magistrates' Court has ordered Yitzhak Bukhovza, 75, the former mayor of Or Yehuda, to stay away from the municipal building for three months and from two senior city officials for six months following an altercation earlier this month. The legal proceedings were initiated after city engineer Leonid Ginzburg and licensing department manager Limor Zanzuri filed a restraining order request, alleging that Bukhovza frequently visits the town hall, often outside reception hours, and behaves aggressively toward the staff.

The incident that triggered the restraining order occurred on October 5 and was captured on video, which was presented to the court. According to Judge Dalia Astreicher, after a verbal exchange with the two officials, Bukhovza pushed the city engineer and resorted to physical violence until bystanders intervened and separated them. During the hearing, Bukhovza argued that the dispute erupted over a disagreement regarding a door, but the judge rejected the explanation, stating that pushing a public servant crosses the line from a legitimate argument into harassing behavior.

Judge Astreicher strongly criticized Bukhovza's conduct in the courtroom, noting that he repeatedly interrupted the proceedings and attempted to justify his actions by citing personal and legal disputes with the municipality. The judge emphasized that Bukhovza's past status as mayor actually obliges him to set an example of respectful civic behavior rather than granting him special privileges. Under the court order, Bukhovza may continue to receive municipal services remotely via email or through a representative.