Municipalities

In which cities can you easily get around, buy essential goods, or enjoy leisure activities on Shabbat, and in which municipalities does everything close down on the residents' day off? 'Free Israel' (Israel Hofshit) checked 60 cities: 'The findings continue to reflect deep gaps between local authorities. And despite local attempts in some of them, the national situation still significantly limits...

Although it often flies under the radar, local government is one of the most important players in the education system. Municipalities spend thousands of shekels on every student, but they are less active when they need to understand exactly where the money is going. And also: how did it happen that a small and surprising city took first place in the ranking of investment in education?

Reality is more complex than the research on education budgeting in local authorities: the state must ensure quality education for all, without preventing authorities from investing beyond that.

The forum demands the rehabilitation and development of the North within the framework of coalition agreements and the next government's plans. Among the demands: investment in infrastructure, education, and health, creating growth engines, and strengthening personal security. "Strengthening the North is a national interest of the first order."

Starting in January 2027, large Israeli cities will be permitted to limit free parking for residents to their immediate residential area. This shift follows the failure of a public transport reform in the Knesset.

While many drivers continue to illegally enter public transport lanes, enforcement data reveals which authorities collect millions in fines. Meanwhile, most cities with such lanes do not conduct electronic enforcement at all.

121 local authorities have requested exceptional municipal tax increases for 2027, yet Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has failed to sign the necessary guidelines. Meanwhile, Wall Street is reeling from Big Tech earnings reports, Elon Musk has lost his trillionaire status, and in Israel, a violent attack on the News 12 building highlights the ongoing degradation of public discourse.

A new collective agreement signed between the Histadrut, the Center for Local Government, and the Forum of the Three Largest Cities includes wage increases for various roles, a doubling of management supplements, and bonuses of thousands of shekels. Some payments will be made retroactively.

The Ministry of Transport has canceled its centralized tender for bus stop shelters, shifting responsibility to local authorities. This policy change aims to better address unique municipal requirements.