IKEA Israel has launched a media counteroffensive against the court's cancelling its planned purchase of land in Rishon LeZion for a second store. The company today accused "a powerful businessman" with real estate interests in the city of being behind the lawsuit against the company.
At today's press conference, Ikea Israel chairman Ron Hadassi said, "It is obvious that 163 small businessmen in downtown Rishon LeZion cannot be responsible, because what do they have against Ikea? Heavy-hitting lawyers submitted a list of petitioners, and it is still not clear who has the deep pockets to finance them, but it's obviously special interests."
Gabay told "Globes", "The opposition costs a fortune, which somebody is financing because no one can claim that small businessmen have the wherewithal to do so. Someone with very important interests is driving the opposition in exchange for which he is paying a lot of money. Apparently, development of the lot with an IKEA store is greatly perturbing him about his business. If this individual would appear openly in person, then it would be possible to identify his commercial interests, which run contrary to what by the vast majority of Rishon LeZion's residents say they want."
"Globes": Are you implying that a person with real estate interests for the sale lot or in the same city is involved?
Gabay: "In the same city."
Who is it?
"I think I know, but I cannot say. I have no proof. I expect the media to find out."
Why do you think that this is the case?
"There are signs."
Published by Globes [online], Israel business news - www.globes-online.com - on December 23, 2007
© Copyright of Globes Publisher Itonut (1983) Ltd. 2007