Kiryat Shmona petitions High Court against government over business compensation

In depth

The Kiryat Shmona municipality filed a petition with the High Court of Justice against the government and the Tax Authority. The petition concerns the end of eligibility for compensation for businesses harmed in the war, and the demand to return advances that businesses received during the war.

The petition states that hundreds of businesses were harmed, trade turnover plunged, and customers did not return to the city. The municipality demands extending the compensation period to at least the end of 2026. It argues that the state set the end dates without giving a reason.

Mayor Avichai Stern said: "We did not ask for a favor, we asked that they look at this city in the eye." Stern led the petition after expressing support for the prime minister ahead of the elections.