Promises stuck in traffic: The government's transport plans remained on paper
Benjamin Netanyahu promised 100 billion shekels for a railway from Eilat to Kiryat Shmona, but the project was never funded. Miri Regev pledged to reduce road accidents, yet 2025 became the deadliest year on record. Despite official assurances, the congestion charge in Gush Dan is nearing implementation.
The news in brief: Benjamin Netanyahu defined transport as the second most important task for the government. In practice, only a few billion were allocated for the railway to Eilat, which were not utilized. Minister Miri Regev's commitment to establish a transport cabinet was not carried out, and despite her declarations, the congestion charge in Gush Dan was not cancelled.
In his inauguration speech, Prime Minister Netanyahu defined the development of transport as the government's second most important task, immediately after the fight against Iran, promising a transport revolution that would eliminate the periphery and reduce traffic jams and road accidents. A review of these promises against reality reveals that most remained mere slogans.
Promises vs. Reality
Netanyahu promised a high-speed train connecting Kiryat Shmona to Eilat, claiming the revolution was underway with a budget of 100 billion shekels. In practice, only a few billion were allocated to the program, which were not utilized, and there is not even a plan for a track to Eilat yet.
Minister of Transport Miri Regev promised in her entry-to-office speech to establish a transport cabinet led by the Prime Minister. This commitment was even included in the government's basic guidelines, but the cabinet was never established.
Regev declared she would use all available tools to reduce fatal accidents by 50% by 2030, but 2025 actually became the deadliest year on Israel's roads in 20 years, with 459 fatalities.
Regarding the congestion charge for passengers in Gush Dan, Regev stated clearly and unequivocally that it would not happen. However, the law was not cancelled; the government has continued to promote it and publish tenders, and it is expected to come into effect in about two years.
Added to the list of unfulfilled promises are a Wizz Air base at Ben Gurion Airport, the entry of Uber into Israel, a sea shuttle, a train on wheels, double-decker buses, autonomous vehicles, drones, and a system to prevent children from being forgotten in cars.
