Shapir Wins Tender to Extend Israel's Highway 6 North Despite Druze Landowner Opposition

Shapir Group has won a government tender to finance, build, operate, and maintain a 22-kilometer northern extension of Highway 6 in Israel, including the construction of three new interchanges at Abelim, Mekhar, and Beit HaEmek. The project, valued at approximately 2 billion shekels, will extend the highway from the Somekh interchange to Beit HaEmek. The tender was awarded by an inter-ministerial committee comprising representatives from the Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Transport, Netivei Israel, and Inbal company, after competition among six Israeli and international groups.

The extension faces strong opposition from the Druze community residing on lands slated for expropriation and clearance to make way for the new highway. The Druze landowners claim there has been no meaningful dialogue and reject the unilateral compensation offer of 18 shekels per square meter. Workers from Netivei Israel encountered significant resistance and threats while conducting preparatory surveys on site. In response, Netivei Israel's acting CEO, Guy Loyan, appealed to Police Commissioner Dany Levi to intervene and enforce a support framework to prevent substantial project delays.

The highway extension will feature a dual carriageway with three lanes in each direction. Construction is scheduled to begin in 2027, with the road expected to open in 2030. According to government decisions, frequent users of the new sections will be eligible for a 40% toll discount under specified conditions.