Givat Ze’ev was officially declared a city in Israel on Sunday, after the head of the Central Command signed the final order completing the process of upgrading its status from local council to municipality.
Photo: Givat Zeev SpokespersonThe declaration comes after professional staff work by the Interior Ministry and the Geographic Committee, which examined the community’s data and future development plans. According to professional sources, Givat Ze’ev officially counts about 25,000 residents, while in practice nearly 35,000 residents live there. Officials also noted that the community shows one of the highest growth rates in Israel.
The Interior Ministry explained that the status change is designed to align the municipal framework with the scope of development planned for the coming years, and to enable the local authority to expand services provided to residents and optimally manage continued growth.
Givat Ze’ev Mayor Yossi Asraf welcomed the decision and said: “Thank God, a historic moment for Givat Ze’ev. This is a tremendous strengthening of communities in the Jerusalem envelope. Our transformation into a city is first and foremost a tremendous growth engine and real good news for residents.”
Asraf added that “the status change will allow us to adapt the municipal framework to the community’s needs, strengthen the authority’s ability to provide high-level services, lead development processes, and manage growth challenges optimally. Alongside the new status and development momentum, we’re moving up a level in capabilities, but we’ll continue to preserve our rural, warm, and communal atmosphere. This is the beating heart of Givat Ze’ev and it will remain so.”
According to him, “I thank the command chief and all the professional officials for the comprehensive work. We will continue to act with full energy to advance our city to new achievements for the quality of life of residents.”