Jerusalem, 8 January, 2026 (TPS-IL) — Israeli President Isaac Herzog visited the northern city of Kiryat Shmona on Thursday, meeting with Mayor Avichai Stern to assess the city’s recovery a year after the war. Herzog toured a local restaurant rebuilt after being hit by a Hezbollah missile and spoke with business owners and employees about reconstruction efforts.

“We stand here with great emotion… to see the city begin to recover is a moment of hope,” Herzog said, urging the public to visit the north and support local businesses. He called on the government to maintain a sustained presence on the ground to accelerate Kiryat Shmona’s rehabilitation.

Mayor Stern emphasized the city’s resilience and called for continued state partnership to restore growth and security.