From the metro to the airport: stalled transport infrastructure projects will wait until after the elections

“The State of Israel is taking giant steps toward a decade that will be decisive and dramatic for its physical and infrastructure future.” According to demographic forecasts by the Central Bureau of Statistics, the country's population is expected to almost double by 2050, reaching 18 to 20 million residents. This rapid growth poses unprecedented challenges for mass transit systems and national transport arteries. Without immediate massive investments, Israel faces the risk of paralyzing traffic jams and a severe economic slowdown.

The Planning Administration has promoted a series of strategic plans, but their practical fate now lies with the next government. Despite the political uncertainty, Director General of the Planning Administration Rafi Elmaliah emphasizes: “The State of Israel is in the midst of a national planning revolution. Everyone understands that today there is no planning crisis in Israel, but an infrastructure crisis. The task of the next government is to turn plans into execution by making brave decisions and accelerating construction. Infrastructure is not an expense; it is the most important investment in economic growth and national resilience.”

With Knesset elections scheduled for October 2026, the next government is expected to take office by late 2026 or early 2027. The incoming Minister of Transport will inherit a thick file of national projects at various stages of planning. However, political history shows that a change of government often brings the freezing of budgets and shifting priorities.

“Large transport projects are not built within one term; 10–20 years can pass from the decision until the public enjoys them,” explains Yael Shechter-Sitman, head of the public transport sector at Lobby 99. “Any delay or change in priorities could postpone the solution to congestion for many years. We need a long-term policy based on professional planning that does not change with every new government.”

Experts believe that in the short term, the next government should establish metropolitan transport authorities. In the long term, it must maintain momentum on key projects, including:

1. Completion of Israel's eastern rail corridor (Menashe, Galilee, and Kiryat Shmona lines).

2. The Gush Dan Metro: three lines (M1, M2, M3) spanning 150 kilometers.

3. Seven integrated transport hubs, including Glilot, Savidor, and HaShalom.

4. Expansion of fast rail networks and the TATL 110 project along Highway 4.

Additionally, the next government must decide on a new airport location—either Tze'elim or Ramat David—to alleviate congestion at Ben Gurion Airport.

“The next government must ensure professional management and tight cost control,” Shechter-Sitman notes. “It shouldn't focus solely on mega-projects. Investments in expanding public transport lanes and improving connections between buses, Israel Railways, and light rail can improve service in the short term while large projects continue to advance.”