"He deceived the people": The attack on Kiryat Shmona's mayor after Netanyahu's visit

Kiryat Shmona Mayor Avichai Stern faced criticism from his political rival Eli Zafrani after expressing support for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during his visit to the city. Zafrani claims Stern misled residents about the extent of government aid and presents a plan to encourage young people to return to the city. Netanyahu publicly credited Zafrani for his efforts.

Kiryat Shmona Mayor Avichai Stern faced an attack from his political rival Eli Zafrani after expressing support for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during his visit to the city. Zafrani claims Stern misled residents throughout the war about the extent of government aid the city received, and that his change in stance stems from residents beginning to see the results of government investment. Netanyahu publicly credited Zafrani for his work for the city, calling him a 'friend for life'. Zafrani presented a plan to encourage young people to return to the city, including three years of free university tuition, a living stipend, a 200,000 shekel grant for young couples, and a 50% discount on municipal taxes. He criticized Stern for not fighting hard enough to bring residents back and expressed intent to run against him in the next election. The mayor's response has not yet been received.