Barnet Council votes to explore twinning with Israeli city Haifa

Barnet Council voted to begin a formal exploration of a twinning relationship with Haifa, a city in northern Israel, on 29 July 2026. The decision follows a similar move by Hackney Council, which ended its 50‑year partnership with Haifa earlier this year. Residents of the borough will be asked to comment on the proposal during a public consultation scheduled for August.

Council vote and party positions

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Conservative councillor Raffy Lachter introduced the motion, stating that the borough could benefit from links with Haifa’s universities and hospitals. All Conservative members present voted in favour, while every Labour councillor chose to abstain. The single Green councillor recorded a vote against the motion, as reported by the Standard.

Background to the twinning proposal

Hackney Council announced in July that it would terminate its historic twinning arrangement with Haifa after more than five decades of dormancy. The decision was framed as a response to the ongoing Gaza conflict and the perception that a partnership with a major Israeli port conflicted with Hackney’s values. Barnet’s motion comes months after that announcement, positioning the borough as one of the few London authorities still considering a formal link with the Israeli city.

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Proposed areas of cooperation

Councillor Lachter highlighted potential collaboration in three sectors: healthcare, education and research. He noted that Haifa hosts two universities and the Rambam Medical Centre, while Barnet is home to Middlesex University and Barnet General Hospital. "There are real opportunities to connect," he said, as quoted to the Jewish Chronicle.

“My vision is to officially twin Barnet with the city of Haifa and to create meaningful cooperation in healthcare, education and research.”

Raffy Lachter, Conservative councillor

Next steps for the borough

The council will commission a feasibility study to assess the benefits and any political implications of a twinning agreement. Findings will be presented to the Planning and Environment Committee in September, after which a public consultation will be opened for comment. If the study recommends proceeding, a formal agreement would require a further council vote before any exchanges or joint projects could begin.