Dozens of mayors and council heads, including Tzvi Barut, Carmel Shama Hacohen, and Ron Huldai, appealed to Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana and coalition chairman Ofir Katz to approve the Metropolitan Authorities Law, which they say is essential for improving public transportation.
On Thursday morning, a coalition of dozens of local government leaders, including mayors Tzvi Barut, Carmel Shama Hacohen, and Ron Huldai, appealed directly to Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana and coalition chairman Ofir Katz to advance the Metropolitan Authorities Law. The proposed legislation would establish metropolitan transportation authorities, which the mayors argue is essential for improving public transportation.
The appeal comes after a series of calls on Wednesday Jul 15. At 12:40 Jerusalem, eight transport and environmental organizations sent an urgent letter warning the law was in danger of being canceled, reported by N12. In a separate letter at the same time, Kohelet Policy Forum and the Movement for Quality of Government urged Katz to bring the bill to the Knesset plenum. The Center for Local Government also called for final approval. The coordinated pressure reflects growing backing from multiple sectors.
As The Zioneer reported on Jun 23, an amendment to cancel the parking law was inserted into the metropolitan transit bill, and the Transport Ministry agreed to transfer authority to local governments. These background measures highlight the legislative complexity around the bill.
The bill's fate remains uncertain as coalition negotiations continue. No vote has been scheduled, and the mayors' appeal is the latest effort to prevent the law from stalling.
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