Against the backdrop of profound regional transformations, driven by the Abraham Accords and the development of the India–Middle East–Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), 53 local authorities in northern Israel have, for the first time, forged an unprecedented regional alliance aimed at strengthening regional cooperation and accelerating economic development.
This regional initiative, named the “Next Bay 53-City Alliance,” brings together 53 local authorities stretching from Haifa Bay to the Beit She’an Valley and the Galilee, a strategic geographic, economic and social region home to more than 2 million residents, including Jewish, Arab, Druze, Bedouin, Circassian, Bahá’í, and Ahmadi communities.
The alliance aims to strengthen northern Israel’s position as the country’s gateway to regional connectivity, foster cooperation among local authorities, and leverage the opportunities created by the India–Middle East–Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) to promote economic growth, innovation, job creation, and regional development.
Thanks to its strategic location and infrastructure, northern Israel, including the Port of Haifa, one of the largest ports in the Eastern Mediterranean, is a key logistics hub along the IMEC Corridor. As Israel’s maritime gateway to the region, it represents a major strategic asset for expanding trade and connectivity between Asia, the Middle East, and Europe.
The Next Bay 53-City Alliance was jointly founded by the Haifa Bay Local Authorities Cluster, the Kinneret Valleys Cluster, the Galilee and Valleys Cluster, the Municipality of Haifa, the Municipality of Beit She’an, and the Emek HaMaayanot Regional Council.
Last Thursday, their respective leaders signed the Alliance’s founding charter. The signing ceremony was followed by a panel discussion featuring senior officials from the Ministries of Foreign Affairs, Economy, Interior, Energy, Transport, Communications, and Regional Cooperation, focusing on the policy priorities and collaborative actions needed to position northern Israel within the India–Middle East–Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC).
Earlier this month, Frank Melloul was appointed Ambassador of the Next Bay 53-City Alliance to help raise the Alliance’s international profile and promote its vision and objectives on the global stage.
David Even Tzur, Chairman of the Haifa Bay Local Authorities Cluster and Mayor of Kiryat Yam, said: “Haifa Bay and northern Israel are home to a unique human mosaic. By bringing our local authorities together, we will be better positioned to seize the opportunities created by the Abraham Accords and the IMEC Corridor, driving economic growth, innovation, and regional development. The potential is tremendous.”
Munir Zbeidat, Head of the Basmat Tivon Local Council and Chairman of the Forum of Bedouin Local Authorities in Northern Israel, said: “The Arab, Bedouin, and Circassian communities are committed to being an integral part of the regional vision advanced by the Forum of 53 Local Authorities. We want to be full partners in this initiative, contributing to its economic development momentum and working together to create jobs, foster growth, and expand opportunities for all residents of northern Israel.”
Yaakov Peretz, Mayor of Kiryat Ata, said: “The IMEC Corridor is a powerful example of the strategic opportunities emerging for our region, reinforcing northern Israel’s position as a major engine of growth for the country. This initiative has the potential to create tens of thousands of jobs, strengthen economic resilience, attract new investment, and accelerate regional development for the benefit of all residents of northern Israel.”
Yona Yahav, Mayor of Haifa, said: “The IMEC Corridor is far more than an infrastructure and transport project. It is a strategic opportunity to create high-quality jobs, attract international investment, strengthen the local economy, and improve the quality of life for millions of people. As Israel’s leading northern metropolis, Haifa is proud to play a central role in this initiative.
For decades, Haifa—and the wider region—has served as Israel’s gateway to the world: a port city, a center of trade, research, industry, innovation, and multiculturalism.”
Shlomit Shihor Reichman, Vice Chair of the Galilee and Valleys Cluster and Head of the Emek Yizreel Regional Council, said: “The IMEC initiative is far more than an economic or transport corridor. It is a regional opportunity to strengthen partnerships, advance infrastructure, innovation, employment, and tourism, and create new engines of growth for the benefit of the region’s residents. Broad cooperation among local authorities and partners across sectors is the key to unlocking this potential.”