Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, the management of the Ministry of Finance, and the Director of the Tax Authority visited Kiryat Shmona today (Thursday) and met at the City Hall with Mayor Avichai Stern and residents.
During the visit, the Minister and the Ministry’s management received a comprehensive overview of the city’s and residents’ situation, visited areas that sustained indirect damage due to the war, and then proceeded to visit a technological center in the city.
During the meeting, the Minister announced a unique plan for the city that will be brought as part of the developing government decision.
The plan will include steps to boost businesses in Kiryat Shmona and encourage demographic absorption of new residents, alongside strengthening long-time residents, students, and reservists.
As part of the plan:
– A unique credit card will be distributed to residents and students, which will include a monthly grant ranging between NIS 1,000 and NIS 2,500 for use in Kiryat Shmona businesses only.
– Reservists will be able to utilize their “Fighter” card with affordable subsidies for purchases in Kiryat Shmona.
– A dedicated administration for Kiryat Shmona will be established, the project for establishing a university in the location will be funded, and assistance will be provided to the municipality for ongoing needs, with the aim of improving services provided to residents, along with a series of programs and incentives to encourage demographic growth and significant relocation of residents to the city.
The visit and the decisions made emphasize the great importance the Ministry of Finance places on strengthening Kiryat Shmona and its residents, especially during this period against the backdrop of post-war challenges.
Finance Minister, Bezalel Smotrich:
“Israel will be tested in Kiryat Shmona. The security situation here is incomparably better than it was before October 7th. The true victory is to see a flourishing region here. This is a national mission, and we are committed to it. God willing, we will bring good tidings to the residents, focusing on growth-encouraging steps, and within two years, we will see ten thousand new residents here.”
Director General of the Ministry of Finance, Ilan Rom:
“The Ministry of Finance is committed to closely accompanying Kiryat Shmona in the short and long term. The approved steps are intended to provide a real response to the needs that arose from the field, strengthen the local economy, and assist residents in dealing with the consequences of the war, while building a foundation for future growth.”
Mayor of Kiryat Shmona, Avichai Stern: “I am pleased about the working meeting, the tour, and the opportunity to present the true situation of Kiryat Shmona to the Finance Minister and government representatives. We emphasized the need for an immediate response alongside broad solutions that will strengthen the city, the residents, and the businesses. The road is still long, but we will do everything to ensure that Kiryat Shmona flourishes on the ground and not just on paper.”
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