The Interior Ministry announced Wednesday it is advancing a change in status for the Givat Ze’ev local council to become a city. The decision came after Interior Ministry Director General Israel Ozan adopted the recommendations of the Geographic Committee and the district commissioner. The move, which represents a significant boost for authorities in the greater Jerusalem area, now awaits the signature of Central Command Chief Maj. Gen. Avi Bluth.
The decision was based on professional staff work by the Geographic Committee for Municipal Status Change, headed by accountant Gabriel Maimon. According to the committee’s findings, Givat Ze’ev currently has about 25,000 residents and is experiencing one of the highest growth rates in Israel. The committee also noted that the council has a distinctly urban character, reflected in master plans and the scope of development and construction planned for the coming years.
Interior Ministry Director General Israel Ozan praised the move: “Givat Ze’ev’s transformation into a city is an important municipal step. The status change will allow the municipal framework to be adapted to the community’s needs, strengthen the authority’s ability to provide services to residents, lead development processes, and manage growth challenges optimally. I recommend that the Central Command chief accept the recommendations and complete the process.”
Givat Ze’ev Council Head Yossi Asraf responded with excitement: “Thank God, a historic moment for Givat Ze’ev. I congratulate the decision and thank Shas movement chairman Aryeh Deri, the Interior Ministry director general, and all the teams. We deeply appreciate the great expression of confidence in the council and its residents. Our transformation into a city is a tremendous lever for action, and we will continue to work with full energy to advance our city to new achievements.”