Rehovot Joins Israeli Network of Healthy Cities

The Rehovot Municipality has officially joined the Israeli Network of Healthy Cities, a move aimed at enhancing public health and quality of life within the city. This membership will provide the municipality with access to professional knowledge, tools, and best practices from other local authorities, facilitating the development of tailored health initiatives for its residents.

The Network of Healthy Cities in Israel comprises cities, local and regional councils, government ministries, health maintenance organizations, and academic institutions, all collaborating to advance health, sustainability, and quality of life. Rehovot's decision to join was formalized following a City Council resolution on February 18, 2026, and aligns with the municipality's broader strategy to bolster health and resilience efforts.

The underlying principle of this initiative is the understanding that resident well-being is influenced not only by healthcare services but also by the living environment, public spaces, education, community engagement, opportunities for physical activity, and community resilience. Membership in the network will enable Rehovot to participate in professional training and meetings, learn from initiatives in other municipalities, and leverage accumulated knowledge globally to advance its urban health agenda.

Internationally, the Network of Healthy Cities operates under the auspices of the World Health Organization and maintains connections with the European network. This global perspective allows member municipalities to adapt successful programs and tools to local needs. Mayor Matan Dih considers this a significant step, stating, "Health and quality of life are integral to our municipal work... Joining the Network of Healthy Cities is another step forward that will allow us to deepen our efforts, learn, develop, and adopt proven tools and initiatives." Councilwoman Orit Shargai, responsible for the health portfolio, added that the network "allows us to broaden our perspective on health and promote it across all life stages and various fields."