Local Government Rising: The Emergence of New Regionalism in Israel

This study examines the rise of New Regionalism within Israel’s local government framework, emphasizing its emergence as a response to national and international crises. Crises—whether security, environmental, economic, democratic, or health-related—have acted as catalysts, exposing systemic failures in centralized governance and accelerating the need for decentralization and regional collaboration. Events such as the October 7^th 2023 War exemplify these failures, highlighting the urgency of fostering resilient and adaptable governance structures. The research introduces an integrative framework linking crises with evolution of governance, demonstrating how incremental reforms have empowered local governments and fostered regional cooperation. A triad of interdependent reforms is identified as essential to achieving sustainable governance: enacting a Basic Law for Local Government and Regional Governance, institutionalizing regional governance structures, and enhancing human resource capacities. These reforms aim to replace fragmented and reactive approaches with cohesive, strategic shifts towards adaptive, inclusive, and efficient governance models. By situating Israel’s governance trajectory within the broader theoretical framework of New Regionalism, the study underscores the paradigm’s emphasis on subsidiarity, multi-level governance, and community resilience. These principles are presented as critical for navigating Israel’s complex socio-political and economic challenges, offering a pathway to sustainable development and stronger societal cohesion. Policymakers are urged to institutionalize these reforms, transforming crises into opportunities and paving the way for a more equitable and adaptive governance future.