Transport Minister Miri Regev has given the green light for Uber to begin operating in Israel, paving the way for ordinary drivers to carry paying passengers.
Up until now, Israeli law restricted passenger transport for payment exclusively to licensed taxi drivers who both own a taxi and hold a special “green number.” The fares are determined by government regulations.
The newly approved plan sets the timeline for Uber’s launch in Israel for the first quarter of 2026.
Kfir Ben Zino, head of the National Taxi Drivers Association, reacted furiously to the announcement. “I would be underestimating the situation if I said that there is going to be a world war here. Miri Regev, I promise you – in the next primaries you will no longer be the Minister of Transportation.”
Zohar Golan, who chairs the Taxi Drivers’ Association within the Histadrut’s independent forum, also voiced outrage. “If you want to bring order into the sector of passenger transportation by car, then change the law and make full equality also for taxi drivers who are currently required to comply with a long series of laws and regulations, including extensive and expensive training.”
He added sharp criticism of the government’s motives, saying, “The real question is what is ‘hiding’ behind ‘Uber’s’ introduction in Israel? It is clear that what is happening here is an attempt to legalize a non-kosher situation. This is a move that will legitimize all illegal drivers in Israel, which of course exists mainly in the chareidi sector. This is the truth that Miri Regev is trying to hide.”
Golan insisted that the transportation minister’s reasoning is politically driven rather than based on improving service. “She is not showing a sudden interest in the Uber service. All she wants is to find a solution for a group of potential voters and the chareidi pressure group ahead of the upcoming elections. Regev is not worried about the state of public transportation, but is trying to ‘legalize criminals through the back door to amass personal political gain,’” he concluded.
{Matzav.com Israel}
