An emergency conference by Nadlan Media revealed everything that isn’t working in the aftermath of “Operation Rising Lion” – and those who are no longer willing to stay silent. The president of the Contractors Association sounds the alarm, mayors are demanding authority, developers are offering solutions, and Home Front Command confirms – the gap in protection is troubling. The full review from the conference will be published in the August issue of Real Estate Today magazine.
The 12-day war against Iran exposed a simple and painful truth to all: Millions of Israelis without protected rooms (Mamad) or proper shelter experienced heartbreaking helplessness inside their own homes – which are supposed to be their safest space.
Now, as the dust of battle settles but the threat remains the mayors of the Gush Dan region, senior Home Front Command officials, CEOs, developers, architects, lawyers, and government representatives gathered at Nadlan Media’s emergency conference at the Carlton Hotel in Tel Aviv to ask: How do we return urban renewal to its roots as a national solution for saving lives?
Under the guidance of real estate commentator Ofer Petersburg, everyone spoke the same language: the language of emergency. Roni Brik, president of the Israel Builders Association, emphasized the urgency in a sharp opening speech: “We are facing an unprecedented national challenge. If we don’t immediately change regulatory processes, we won’t be able to restore what was destroyed – and we won’t succeed in building what’s needed.”
Panel One: Between Emergency and Routine
The first panel addressed the question: How can urban renewal become a true security tool – and not just a stalled real estate project?
Attorney Yaron Tikotsky, one of the leading voices in the field, called for the creation of new legislation to address the interim period after an attack.
Shmuel Boxer, mayor of Ness Ziona, presented a model where the municipality doesn’t just approve, but manages: “We are responsible for the residents, for the city – and also for the developer. Because a developer who doesn’t profit, won’t build.”
Carmel Shama Hacohen, mayor of Ramat Gan, announced an “urban renewal express train” in affected areas.
Avishai Kimeldorf, CEO of Shikun & Binui Real Estate, emphasized: “The projects that actually move are the ones the municipality takes responsibility for.”
Alex Maryash, CEO of Hachsharat HaYishuv Urban Renewal, stated: “If there had been effective regulation, we would already have thousands of reinforced apartments ready for occupancy.”
Poly Tetro, founder and owner of Top Capital, proposed an integrated solution: immediate strengthening in Gush Dan cities and transferring building rights to developers on complementary land in the periphery to encourage renewal.
Panel Two: The Bureaucracy That Blocks Everything
What happens when those at the wheel truly want to drive but the traffic lights are stuck?
Matan Dil, mayor of Rehovot: “We believe less in the easy way – and choose to build where real renewal is needed.”
Michael Vidal, mayor of Ramla, shared that the city has 19 plans – nine of which have already been approved: “This is not just an impressive number – it’s a method.”
Rabbi Hanoch Zeibert, mayor of Bnei Brak: “You can’t just build towers – there’s nowhere to put the people.”
Attorney Or Keren, co-founder and owner at KDC Law: “Now is the time to make regulation part of the solution.”
Attorney Re'em Ratzon, CEO of Av-Gad: “Authorities must be given budgets – and we need certainty.”
Panel Three: The Safe Room Is the First Line of Defense
Is Israel truly ready to protect its citizens as part of a comprehensive government policy?
Attorney Yossi Musseri, owner of Multiland, opened the panel with three blunt words: “We aren’t ready.”
Ran Konik, mayor of Givatayim, said the city didn’t wait for the state, and in the past two years reinforced all educational institutions at a cost of NIS 80 million.
Leor Shapira, acting deputy mayor of Tel Aviv: “TAMA 38 has ended, and we are moving forward with Plan 5555 – with planning certainty and betterment levies.”
Prof. Moshe Tzur, one of Israel’s most veteran and respected architects: “I reinforced the safe room in my home with steel plates – because the existing solution isn’t enough.”
Attorney Adriana Schechter, CEO and co-owner of Adler Group: “I have projects where a neighbor’s tree blocked the installation of a safe room. It’s amazing that we have to remind people this is a matter of saving lives.”
Yaki Amsalem, CEO of Almog Group: “Only if we increase building rights, will we truly be able to build and reinforce.”
David Yahalomi, CEO of the Fund for Encouragement and Development of the Construction Industry: “It’s simply a failure that two years after October 7th – the state still hasn’t brought in the 60,000 workers needed.”
In conclusion, Lt.-Col. Moshe Shlomo, head of the Engineering Branch in the Home Front Command’s protection division, spoke and warned: “Yes, the safe room is designed to withstand even a nearby strike from ballistic missiles. But the protection gap is still large, and statutory tools must be used to close it.”