Ashtrom CEO Gil Giron Urges Israeli Leadership for Metro Project Amid Geopolitical Risks
Ashtrom Group CEO Gil Giron urged the government to let Israeli firms lead the metro project to secure executive independence and called for state support to boost the long-term rental housing market.
Call for Infrastructure Independence
Speaking at the opening of the Israel Real Estate Conference, Gil Giron, CEO of Ashtrom Group, called for Israeli companies to lead the Tel Aviv metropolitan metro project, citing the volatile geopolitical climate. Giron emphasized the need to strengthen national executive independence in major infrastructure initiatives.
Ashtrom Group's CEO stated:
"The metro project is one of the most significant moves Israel will lead in the coming decades. It is not just about shortening travel times; it is about urban planning and connecting housing, employment, and transport. The metro must remain above politics. I hope Israeli companies will be allowed to lead this project. We must maintain Israel's executive independence. The metro must be led by Israeli firms alongside international partners, and not the other way around."
Giron explained that relying heavily on foreign entities poses strategic risks in a rapidly changing geopolitical reality. He urged continuous investment in local construction industries to preserve engineering capabilities and ensure that economic value remains within the country.
Diversification as a Shield Against Uncertainty
Ashtrom Group is one of Israel's largest construction conglomerates, comprising 20 subsidiaries across construction, real estate, infrastructure, and energy. Giron highlighted that the group's diversification across eight sectors—including residential, income-producing properties, rental housing, contracting, industries, renewable energy, concessions, and international operations—balances risks during economic slowdowns.
Preparing for Housing Demand Surge
Addressing the residential market, Giron noted that underlying demand remains strong due to population growth and anticipated immigration. He urged the government and financial institutions to prepare for a surge in demand as security conditions stabilize and interest rates begin to decline.
Expanding the Long-Term Rental Sector
Ashtrom is a pioneer in Israel's institutional long-term rental market, managing over 3,000 housing units in various stages of development. The group recently brought in Harel Insurance as an institutional partner in this sector.
Giron urged the state to support this market:
"Every project we complete is fully occupied within a very short time, demonstrating deep market demand. The state should encourage this sector consistently by increasing the volume of land tenders and establishing regulatory certainty."
He concluded by calling for expanded public-private partnerships (PFI) in transport, healthcare, education, and energy to meet the nation's growing infrastructure needs.
