"He deceived the people": The attack on the Kiryat Shmona 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 activities.

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 the change in his stance stems from residents beginning to see the results of government investment. Netanyahu publicly credited Zafrani for his work on behalf of 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 grant of 200,000 shekels for young couples, and a 50% discount on municipal taxes. He criticized Stern for not fighting hard enough to bring residents back and expressed his intention to run against him in the next election. The mayor's response has not yet been received.