We are living in a historic turning point. The decision made by the Prime Minister, together with the American administration, is significant and fateful, not only for Israel, but for the future stability of the world. This is not a war of choice. It is a confrontation imposed upon us by a regime that has armed and directed terror across the region for decades.
Israel’s objective is clear: to dismantle this murderous regime’s capacity to threaten our citizens and to restore true deterrence. Today, we have a rare opportunity to remove that threat and help reshape the reality of our region for generations to come. While our soldiers defend our borders and carry out this mission, local authorities are leading the home front.
From the moment Israel launched its operation and the Home Front Command declared a state of emergency, local authorities across the country transitioned immediately from emergency routine to full emergency operations. Since the war began, we have led the home front responsibly and effectively. Public shelters, schools, and underground parking structures are open nationwide and have been outfitted for overnight use. No resident is left without protection.
Over the past month, we conducted intensive preparedness planning with the Home Front Command, the National Emergency Authority, and the Tax Authority to ensure full co-ordination on evacuation and compensation procedures for displaced residents. Based on lessons learned from Operation “Rising Lion,” we streamlined evacuation protocols, allowing municipalities to move affected residents to hotels immediately and without bureaucracy.
As of now, more than 3,000 residents from cities across Israel have been evacuated to hotels nationwide. Behind every number is a family that was forced to leave their home with only minutes to spare, often without belongings, basic necessities, or time to prepare. Local authorities step in to ensure that these families receive housing, essential supplies and necessary support during these difficult times.
By government decision, in partnership with local authorities, every evacuee receives an immediate cash grant to cover urgent initial needs. In co-operation with one of Israel’s major credit card companies, we created a digital wallet that enables rapid, direct transfers of financial assistance to displaced residents. In addition, through “Mifal HaPais”, Israel’s national lottery fund, we mobilized emergency financial assistance for residents in affected areas.
Welfare, education, sanitation, and infrastructure services continue operating, with special emphasis on vulnerable populations, the elderly, and those with special needs. The Federation of Local Authorities in Israel (FLAI), the national body representing all 259 municipalities, has opened a national emergency operations center to ensure full synchronization and rapid responses. Municipal resilience centers remain available to every resident in need of support. At the same time, the Federation of Local Authorities in Israel continues to co-ordinate closely with government ministries and national agencies to ensure that local authorities have the resources, information, and operational tools required to manage any emergency effectively.
Once again, local leadership has proven itself in a time of national emergency. Responsible, stable, and professional local leadership stands at the forefront, guiding Israel through some of the most complex challenges it has ever faced.
History is being written in these days, not only on the battlefield, but in the resilience of our cities and the strength of our citizens. As Chairman of the Federation of Local Authorities in Israel, I witness this resilience every day. I see the mayors, municipal teams, and frontline workers supporting their communities in the hardest moments.
Our soldiers can carry out their mission with full force because the home front is steady, organized, and protected. This is the responsibility shouldered by local authorities and it is one we fulfil with determination, professionalism, and a deep sense of duty. At this historic turning point, local leadership is a central pillar of Israel’s strength and stability.
The Federation of Local Authorities has proven, in wars, in national emergencies, and most painfully since October 7th, that it is a key foundation for Israel’s resilience and national coherence. In these defining days, our commitment is clear: to protect, support, and sustain our residents and communities; to mobilize the systems that keep civilians safe; and to lead the coordinated response that allows Israel to function even under fire.
Haim Bibas, Chairman of the Federation of Local Authorities in Israel and Mayor of Modi’in Maccabim Reut