Honor for the Negev: Lehavim Local Council Wins the Minister of Defense Shield Award for 2026

The Lehavim Local Council has been selected as the winner of the Minister of Defense Shield Award for 2026, making it the only local authority from the Negev to receive the prize. The award is given to employers, organizations, academic institutions, and local authorities that lead exceptional efforts on behalf of reserve soldiers and their families. This year, over 1,000 recommendations were submitted, and 99 finalists were chosen, including 76 employers, 13 academic institutions, and ten local authorities. Council head Elad Arazi welcomed the win and emphasized the council's commitment to reserve soldiers, including marketing plots designated for them.

The Lehavim Local Council was selected last night (Tuesday) as the winner of the Minister of Defense Shield Award for 2026. Lehavim is the only local authority from the Negev to receive the prestigious award, which is given to employers, organizations, academic institutions, and local authorities that lead exceptional efforts on behalf of reserve soldiers and their families. This year, over 1,000 recommendations were submitted by reserve soldiers and their families. After a professional process, 99 finalists were chosen – including 76 employers, 13 academic institutions, and only ten local authorities, with Lehavim selected as one of the winners and the only one from the entire Negev region. Council head Elad Arazi welcomed the win and said: "This award belongs first and foremost to the reserve soldiers and their families. For us, the support reflects a deep and ongoing commitment of the council and the entire Lehavim community." He added that "winning the Minister of Defense Shield Award is a great honor and immense pride for Lehavim, and the fact that we are the only local authority from the Negev to win gives the achievement special significance," and noted that the council will soon launch the second phase of marketing plots designated exclusively for reserve soldiers.