(Hai Fa) – Ofer Harel will soon assume the position of acting spokesman for the Haifa Municipality, following the retirement of the current spokesman, Eliran Tal, who will end his position on May 30 after five years in the position.
Harel, a resident of Haifa, has an extensive media resume. He served as Maccabi Haifa spokesman from 2002 to 2005, advisor to Defense Minister Moshe (Bogi) Ya'alon from 2010 to 2016, communications advisor to Defense Minister Avigdor Lieberman in 2017, and spokesperson for Public Security Minister Amar Bar-Lev in 2022. Harel's appointment is expected to be temporary and last three months, until an official tender for the position is opened. However, city officials estimate that his appointment may give him an advantage ahead of the regular process.
The departure of Eliran Tal, who was appointed to the position in 2019, marks the end of a challenging period, which included, among other things, crises, electoral campaigns, and public communication during a period of emergency. Now, with Harel taking office, he will be tasked with leading the municipal spokesperson during a sensitive and challenging period, as the city of Haifa tries to create stability and send a clear message to its residents.