Avi Salma Elected Mayor of Netanya Succeeding Longtime Leader Miriam Feierberg-Eicher

Avi Salma was elected mayor of Netanya on Tuesday night, winning a decisive victory in a special election held about two months after the death of longtime mayor Miriam Feierberg-Eicher, a dominant figure in Israeli local politics for nearly three decades.

Salma defeated rivals Tali Molner, Amos Machloff and Yossi Biton by a wide margin, according to final results.

From Narrow Loss to Clear Victory

Salma, 43, has served on the Netanya City Council since 2018. In the previous municipal elections nearly two years ago, he narrowly lost to Feierberg-Eicher, who went on to complete 27 consecutive years in office before her passing earlier this year.

On Tuesday, Salma was carried on supporters’ shoulders as celebrations erupted following the announcement of his victory.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu traveled to Netanya on election day, met with Salma, and publicly expressed support for his candidacy, a move seen as strengthening Selma’s standing among voters.

Background and Platform

Salma is an economist and a former senior manager in Israel’s banking sector. He is married to Mayan and is the father of two children, Oria and Itamar.

In recent years, he emerged as a prominent opposition leader on the city council, positioning himself as a representative of a new generation of local leadership. His campaign emphasized modernizing municipal governance, improving transportation infrastructure, and increasing investment in education and personal security.

According to his campaign team, Selma is viewed as combining economic expertise, on-the-ground municipal experience, and a reputation for accessibility to residents.

Paying Tribute to a “Beating Heart” of the City

In his victory speech, Salma paid tribute to his predecessor.

“This year Netanya said goodbye to a huge figure,” he said, referring to the late Miriam Feierberg-Eicher. “For almost three decades, she dedicated her life to this city and was its beating heart.”

“I take office with deep reverence,” Salma added, “with the intention of leading Netanya to achievements on a national level and bringing the new spirit and changes that the times demand.”

Pledging unity, he said: “I thank the residents of Netanya for their trust. I will be the mayor of everyone — those who voted for me and those who did not. Together, we will make Netanya a better place to live.”