Avichai Stern spoke about the real state of Kiryat Shmona a year after the war.

January 8, 2026 the mayor of Kiryat Shmona Avihai Stern publicly spoke about the situation in the city a year after the active phase of hostilities in northern Israel.

The statement was made against the backdrop of discussions on the pace of recovery in the northern regions and the possibility of the return of residents evacuated due to the war.

Avihai Stern noted that the city has not yet returned to full life. According to him, part of the infrastructure remains vulnerable, business operates unstably, and the security issue is still unresolved.

The mayor emphasized that the return of residents cannot be based on formal reports. People need to see functioning schools, medical services, transport, and real guarantees of protection, not promises.

He specifically pointed out that Kiryat Shmona was one of the most affected points on the northern border. Mass evacuation, economic losses, and damage to the urban environment still define everyday reality.

Stern made it clear that without systematic state support, recovery risks being delayed. According to him, it is not about symbolic visits and statements, but about long-term solutions that will allow people to return and stay.

The mayor’s statement was made against the backdrop of discussions about the priorities of northern recovery and the responsibility of central authorities for border towns.

The situation in Kiryat Shmona remains indicative for the entire northern region, where the issue of residents’ return directly depends on real security and recovery rates — this is emphasized by NANews — News of Israel | Nikk.Agency.