The Knesset approved in the first reading a bill by MK Eli Dalal (Likud), lowering the bar for appointing a second full-time deputy mayor.
If until now cities with a population of more than 150 thousand people had the right to a second deputy mayor, the bill provides for lowering the bar to 100 thousand people.
If the bill is approved, residents of Bat Yam, Herzliya, Hadera, Modiin and Kfar Saba will receive a second deputy mayor on a salary (there may also be deputy mayors without a salary).
In the foreseeable future, they will be joined by Lod, Modiin Illit, Rahat, Ramle and Raanana, whose population exceeds 80 thousand people.