Haifa Appoints Hadash Leader Who Refused to Label Hamas as Terrorist to Strategic Economic Company Board

The Haifa City Council approved the appointment of Hadash faction leader Raja Zaatara to the board of the city's Economic Company, which manages high-tech parks and strategic infrastructure, including sites hosting sensitive defense companies. The decision sparked sharp criticism due to Zaatara's refusal to define Hamas and Hezbollah as terrorist organizations, raising concerns about potential security risks.

The Economic Company oversees key locations such as the Matam Park, home to the headquarters and R&D centers of Elbit Systems, alongside Rafael and Israel Aerospace Industries facilities within the city's science and technology park. As a board member, Zaatara could access sensitive business and strategic information, urban development plans, security arrangements, and contracts related to the defense industries operating in Haifa.

Opponents of the appointment warned that it is an "immoral and dangerous" move that might compromise security and damage trust with the defense companies. National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir condemned the appointment as "complete madness," emphasizing that someone unwilling to recognize Hamas and Hezbollah as terrorist groups should not be exposed to sensitive security information. He urged the Haifa mayor and city council to immediately revoke the appointment.

The Haifa municipality defended the decision, citing a quote from Ze'ev Jabotinsky about Arab representation in government and highlighting Haifa as a mixed city exemplifying coexistence, where an Arab can serve as a director in the Economic Company. The controversy reflects broader tensions over security and political representation in Israel's mixed cities.