Israeli Local Leaders Press for More Powers and Closer Cooperation

At interviews with Channel 7 during the MUNI EXPO 2026 local government conference, municipal leaders said recent years have shown that local authorities can take on broader responsibility and serve residents more effectively. Mayors and council heads from across Israel called for expanding the powers of local government, saying the experience gained in both emergencies and routine life proves they can lead the response for residents.

Haim Bibas, chairman of the Local Government Center and mayor of Modi'in-Maccabim-Re'ut, stressed that cooperation between authorities is essential. He said local government is closest to residents, understands their needs, and can deliver services quickly and efficiently. Roman Peres, mayor of Yokneam, described the conference as a meeting place for all parts of Israeli society and said that despite political and social differences, local leaders share responsibility for residents' welfare and for strengthening the state.

Shmuel Greenberg, mayor of Beit Shemesh, said the Local Government Center is especially important in dealing with government ministries and bureaucracy, and that solidarity between municipalities is most visible during crises. Ahmed Zuabi, head of the Bustan al-Marj Regional Council, said the conference allows leaders to exchange ideas, learn from one another's experience, and develop joint solutions to common challenges.

Moshe Koninsky, mayor of Karmiel and chairman of the Upper Galilee Council, said the public has great trust in local government and urged the government to transfer additional powers to municipalities. He said that the more authority and responsibility local authorities have, the better the service to residents will be. Ibrahim Hasarama, head of the Bina local council, said he used the conference for professional meetings and to study innovative solutions presented at the exhibition, with an eye toward applying some of them in his own council. The leaders said deeper cooperation between local and central government, together with more tools and authority for municipalities, is needed to improve services nationwide.