"Kiryat Shmona is a national problem": Senior officials warn of the crisis in the north

Senior officials in the economy, security, and health sectors warned at the 'For the North' conference in Haifa against continued neglect of the region. The President of the Manufacturers Association called for a broad and stable government, and the director of Ziv Hospital presented data on low life expectancy in the north.

At the 'For the North' conference held in Haifa, senior officials in the economy, security, and health sectors warned against continued neglect of the north. Avraham Novogrodsky, President of the Manufacturers Association, called for the establishment of a broad and stable government to curb the abandonment of the periphery. Col. (Res.) Kobi Marom, a national security expert, said that "Kiryat Shmona is a national problem" and attacked the government for the fact that half of the population has not returned to the city. Prof. Salman Zarka, director of Ziv Hospital in Safed, presented data on low life expectancy in the north and a severe shortage of medical resources. CEO of the Directors Union, Hadar Tzufiof Hacohen, demanded women's representation in decision-making. CEO of Doral Urban, Gili Shper, warned of stagnation in renewable energy regulation. Kfir Remez from Bank Hapoalim emphasized the need for grants and tax breaks for businesses in the north.