President Herzog Hosts Leaders of 'Coastal Cluster' Authorities

President Isaac Herzog hosted leaders from 17 Arab and Jewish local authorities in Jerusalem on Monday. The officials are members of the "Coastal Cluster of Authorities," a regional cooperation initiative. Among those present were the mayors of Umm al-Fahm, Samir Subhi, and Baqa al-Gharbiyya, Ra'ed Daqqa, along with heads of the local councils of Jaljulia, Mohammad Jalal Igbaria, Jisr az-Zarqa, Murad Amash, Al-Fureidis, Ahmed Baria, and Jet, Ashraf Handaklou.

The meeting aimed to showcase the cluster's model for fostering regional partnership, shared living, and personal security. President Herzog emphasized the importance of regional cooperation as a successful method for building trust and transforming diversity into a source of strength. The cluster's activities, programs for enhancing personal security and community cohesion, and its joining of the President's Residence's "Word Exchange" program were also reviewed.

Dr. Samir Subhi, Mayor of Umm al-Fahm, stated that regional cohesion and personal security are interconnected. He highlighted the cluster's proactive approach to creating a reality of partnership, trust, and practical solidarity, adding that the presidential meeting legitimizes their vision for a stronger, safer, and more cohesive region. Cluster head Asaf Isaac and Director General Tamir Millerad affirmed that unified regional work among diverse authorities helps mobilize resources and deliver tangible benefits to all residents.