Northern Reconstruction Effort Criticized for Bureaucracy and Political Appointments
Translated & summarized from N12 by baba
Northern Israeli residents are expressing frustration over the slow pace of reconstruction more than two years after missile attacks, with damaged infrastructure and a lack of basic amenities. A government-established "Tnu'fa" Directorate, intended to oversee reconstruction, is criticized for its large size, bureaucratic nature, and alleged appointment of political activists to key positions. Many residents have not returned, and local leaders question the effectiveness and location of the directorate's operations, which are far from the affected northern communities.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Northern Israel faces slow reconstruction over two years after attacks, with residents reporting ongoing destruction and lack of amenities.
- A government "Tnu'fa" Directorate is criticized for its bureaucracy and alleged political appointments, drawing ire from local leaders.
- Many residents have not returned to northern towns like Shtula and Kiryat Shmona due to the lack of progress.
- The "Tnu'fa" Directorate's offices are located 80 kilometers from the front lines, far from the communities they are meant to serve.
- Local officials argue the directorate duplicates efforts and creates unnecessary jobs rather than directly aiding residents and businesses.
More than two years after missile strikes devastated northern Israel, residents of Shtula and Kiryat Shmona report little tangible progress in reconstruction. Restaurants remain in ruins and stadiums are derelict, while many residents have fled and the cities struggle to recover. Despite promises of significant investment, a large bureaucratic apparatus, the "Tnu'fa" Directorate, has been established, reportedly staffed with political appointees and consultants operating far from the affected areas.
Residents like Dudu Hatan from Shtula describe their homes and businesses as still being in the same state of destruction as immediately after the attacks. He notes the absence of basic amenities like swimming pools and playgrounds, with only about half the residents having returned, finding little reason for their children to stay. Similarly, in Kiryat Shmona, the damaged stadium serves as a symbol of the city's stagnation, with many businesses displaying "For Sale" or "For Rent" signs and over a third of the population not returning.
The government's response began with a small headquarters in May 2024, which was later dissolved and replaced by the larger "Tnu'fa" Directorate under Minister Ze'ev Elkin and headed by Aviad Friedman. This new body, initially with nine employees and a budget of NIS 26 million, has since expanded to 42 employees with an operational budget of NIS 50 million. Local leaders, such as David Azulai, head of the Metula Local Council, criticize the proliferation of positions, arguing that existing ministries should have handled reconstruction and that the new directorate primarily creates jobs.
An investigation into the directorate's staffing reveals that many positions were filled without competitive tenders, leading to the appointment of political activists, primarily from the Likud and Yisrael Beiteinu parties. Examples include Robert Abramov, described as an industry, agriculture, and water lead, who is also reportedly a Likud Central Committee member and works for an accounting firm. Yigal Buzaglo, responsible for urban renewal, is a former Likud city council member, and Rotem Ohana, head of the Western Galilee Unit, is the chairman of the Likud council in Kiryat Shmona. Other appointees include former mayors and local council heads from Likud.
Adding to the criticism, the "Tnu'fa" Directorate's offices are located 80 kilometers south of the front lines, a move local leaders deem impractical and disconnected from the needs of the northern communities. Some local authorities have refused the directorate's assigned "project managers," viewing them as an unnecessary expense and a duplication of efforts. The article concludes by highlighting the ongoing struggles of residents, who feel left behind by the bureaucratic and politically-driven reconstruction efforts, questioning the value of investing in areas that remain devastated.
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