Local Government Head Criticizes Government Inaction
Translated & summarized from Ynet by baba
Haim Bibas, head of Israel's local authorities, criticized the government's inaction, particularly the paralyzed Ministry of Interior, which is delaying vital budgets and projects. He highlighted the disparity in recovery between the South and North following recent conflicts, attributing it to bureaucratic inefficiencies. Bibas also called for greater technological investment and stronger measures against organized crime, while defending his decision to remain in local government rather than seek a Knesset seat.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Local government head Haim Bibas criticized the Ministry of Interior for being non-functional and delaying critical budgets.
- Bibas contrasted the rapid recovery in the South with slower progress in the North due to bureaucratic issues.
- He called for more authority and technological investment for local governments, especially in emergency response.
- Bibas urged the government to use all tools, including the Shin Bet, to combat rising organized crime.
- He defended his decision to stay in local government, citing its influential role.
- Bibas criticized the debate over draft exemptions as a disgrace and called for national unity.
Haim Bibas, Mayor of Modi'in-Maccabim-Re'ut and Chairman of the Federation of Local Authorities in Israel, spoke at a conference hosted by ynet and Yediot Ahronot, addressing several critical issues facing local governance. He began by commenting on the bribery case in the Kfar Saba municipality, expressing sadness for local government's reputation and emphasizing that those who erred should be held accountable, drawing parallels to the past case of Miriam Feirberg.
Bibas strongly criticized the Ministry of Interior, stating it is "not functioning, it no longer exists" due to the prolonged absence of a minister. He highlighted that this paralysis prevents the transfer of hundreds of millions of shekels in crucial budgets for weaker authorities, development programs, and infrastructure projects like classrooms and educational facilities. He noted that the Prime Minister is legally restricted from signing off on these matters, and that construction costs have risen significantly since October 7th, with educational building projects stalled.
He also called for greater authority to be transferred to local governments, arguing they are the most effective arm of the state, having proven their resilience during various crises including COVID-19, Gaza operations, and the October 7th attacks. Bibas contrasted the rapid recovery in the South, facilitated by the "Tekooma" administration, with the slower progress in the North, attributing the difference to the lack of a central coordinating body like "Tekooma" and the bureaucratic nature of government ministries.
Bibas further discussed the need for technological advancement in local authorities, particularly in smart city initiatives and data management for emergency response, noting that local governments are largely funding these critical systems themselves without sufficient state support. He also addressed the escalating crime rates, particularly in Arab communities, urging the government to utilize all available tools, including the Shin Bet, to combat organized crime, comparing the situation unfavorably to Israel's ability to target adversaries abroad.
Finally, Bibas, a member of the Likud party, explained his decision not to seek a Knesset seat, stating he holds a highly influential position as head of the Federation of Local Authorities. He also criticized the ongoing debate over draft exemptions, calling it a disgrace and emphasizing the need for national unity and shared responsibility, particularly for those who served in the recent conflict.
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