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Government Ministries Return to Haifa’s “Sail Tower” After Missile-Strike Renovation
By Drooid · · How we work
Return of State Offices to the Sail Tower
The Justice Ministry, the Education Ministry and several other government departments have moved back into the Sail Tower—locally known as “The Missile Building”—in Haifa. The ministries had evacuated the 31,000-square-meter tower in the wake of an Iranian ballistic missile strike on June 20, 2025, during Operation Rising Lion. The state’s legal representatives, Adv. Merav Gilboa and Oded Reihan of the S. Friedman law firm, signed a new agreement extending the lease of the government offices for an additional 16 years.
Missile Strike and Subsequent Damage
The missile struck near the tower, causing heavy damage to the building’s interior and to neighboring structures. Although the tower’s structural skeleton was not directly hit, the blast wounded 55 people and led authorities to declare the building a dangerous structure, prompting a full evacuation. The incident occurred in the government complex of Haifa’s Lower Town.
Renovation Scope and Financial Commitment
The Nazarian family, owners of the tower through N.M.N.B.S., announced an investment of roughly NIS 100 million to upgrade the building’s systems and infrastructure. Planned improvements include new air-conditioning, elevators, machine rooms, electrical panels, access-control and fire-extinguishing systems, as well as renovated restrooms and kitchenettes. The owners also expect that part of the budget will be matched by the state for additional upgrades to the floors it leases. The tower comprises 25 floors above ground and three underground parking levels.
Significance for Haifa and the State
The Nazarian family described the Sail Tower as more than a real-estate asset, calling it an “icon” that reflects the partnership between the city and the state. The return of ministries signals confidence in the building’s safety after extensive refurbishment and underscores the government’s commitment to maintaining a prominent presence in Haifa’s district-government complex.
