Infrastructure in Israel
Barnea Jaffa Lande & Co.
Barnea Jaffa Lande & Co.'s infrastructure and project finance team has strong international experience, acting for international development companies, engineers, and other contractors in project development mandates in Israel and abroad. Domestically, the team has acted for two major Chinese companies participating in a number of significant tenders spanning the rail and road, water desalination, and energy sectors. In addition, the team is advising China Harbour Engineering Company on its bid for a $6bn PPP project in Turkey. The practice group is headed by Simon Jaffa, who acts for General Electric in all of its energy projects in Israel, and also includes Inon Yogev. Also of note, litigator Shai Avnieli joined the team from S. Horowitz & Co, bringing to the team significant experience in construction, infrastructure and real estate litigation.
Practice head(s):
Testimonials
‘As an expert in the project finance and infrastructure fields, Inon possesses both the knowledge and experience to accompany a project throughout all its various stages: the tender process, financial closing, construction and operation, etc.‘
‘The team delivers comprehensive and uniquely tailored legal advice.‘
‘What makes this team stand out from competitors is their commercial understanding of our needs. Their advice is always extremely practical and to the point.‘
‘The team at Barnea can handle the most complex matters with a professionalism that is difficult to beat.‘
‘Simon Jaffa is undoubtedly one of Israel’s top project lawyers. I would have no hesitation in recommending him.‘
Key clients
Pan-Mediterranean Engineering Company
China Harbour Engineering Company
General Electric
Israel Natural Gas Lines
Mabat Lanegev
Poran Shrem
The Maman Group
Netivei Israel
Shikun & Binui
Enlight Renewable Energy
Work highlights
- Acting for Pan-Mediterranean Engineering Company in all of its projects in Israel and Europe, including bids for the new entry road to Jerusalem, and the development of the Sorek B Site desalination project.
- Acting for China Harbour Engineering Company, as a member of consortiums, in multiple bids for light rail projects in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem.
- Acting for Mabat Lanegev, the company that won the tender to build the IDF’s new training campus in the Negev Desert. The project includes the design, construction, financing, operation, and maintenance of the training campus.
Fischer Behar Chen Well Orion & Co
Fischer Behar Chen Well Orion & Co acts for traditional and alternative lenders, project developers and multinational consortiums in project finance and development mandates in a wide range of major infrastructure developments. Headed by Gilad Winkler, the team is involved in some of Israel's largest rail projects (including the Tel Aviv LRT), major defence projects (the IDF's supply centre and intelligence campus), and multiple significant water projects (such as the Sorek Plot B desalination facility), among other social and utilities, transport, and energy infrastructure developments. In addition, the team also has experience in acting for infrastructure funds, including listed funds. Also recommended is Hagit Horowitz, whom clients have called 'very knowledgeable, from procurement to completion, and all phases in between'.
Practice head(s):
Testimonials
‘They understand the legal aspects of the sector, and more importantly, they understand the business aspects of the sector and what clients are looking to achieve.‘
‘FBC advises on the largest and most sophisticated infrastructure projects in Israel in recent years, thus the practice is able to provide relevant, valuable and comprehensive advice on all aspects relating to infrastructure matters.‘
‘The partners are familiar and always up to date on developments in the field, and provide relevant and comprehensive advice on infrastructure matters.‘
‘The team is excellent, very responsive, and great to work with.‘
Key clients
Bank Hapoalim
Israel Discount Bank
Bank Leumi Le’Israel
Mekorot Israel National Water
Vinci
Clal Insurance Group
Migdal Insurance Group
Harel Insurance Group
Africa Israel Group
Meridiam SAS
Egged Holding
EDF Energies Nouvelles Israel
Shikun & Binui
IDE Technologies
Helios Fund
Danya Cebus
Dan Public Transportation
OPC Energy
Mashav Initiating and Development
Zabar Solar
Leidos
Alpha Water 2 Limited Partnership
Phoenix Group
Quadro National Infrastructures
Hadarom Container Terminal
China Railway Construction Corporation (International)
CRRC International
Work highlights
- Acting for a consortium comprising CRRCI, CRCC, Shikun and Binui and Egged Holdings in the tenders for the financing, design, construction and maintenance of the Tel Aviv Metropolitan LRT Rail “Green Line” and “Purple Line”.
- Advising a consortium of Shikun & Binui and Egged Holding on the submission of the tender for the finance, design, construction, operation, maintenance and transfer of the “Jerusalem J-Net” rail.
- Acting for Hadarom Container Terminal in its capacity as the borrower, in a project finance transaction for the design, construction, operation, maintenance and transfer of the Southport Terminal at Ashdod Seaport, Israel.
Gornitzky & Co.
Gornitzky & Co.'s infrastructure and project finance team acts for project companies and consortiums in large-scale PPP, BOT and PFI projects in the power, water, mining and transportation space. Practice co-head Itay Geffen is acting for a consortium of domestic and international companies in relation to the project bid for the green line of the Jerusalem LRT project, as well as the project bid for the Tel Aviv LRT's green line and purple line. Another key contact is Ronit Rozenstein-Barel, who has experience acting for lenders and investors, including infrastructure funds such as the Noy Fund. Jack Smith is a name to note for projects in the areas of conventional and renewable energy, electricity and power generation.
Practice head(s):
Key clients
Shefa Yamim
Dan Public Transportation Company
Alstom Israel
Electra Concession
H2ID
Noy Fund
Shikun & Binui
Policity
Work highlights
- Acting for Dan Public Transportation Company, Electra Concession and ALSTOM Transport in all aspects with respect to a bid submission in a BOT tender for the design, financing, construction, operation and maintenance of the Green Line Project of the Jerusalem light rail network.
- Acting for the Noy Fund and Hutchison Water in a tender for the purchase of the concessionaire and the operator of a seawater desalination facility in Ashdod.
- Advising Zero Waste, the winning bidder of the tender for the build, operate and transfer project initiated by the state of Israel, for the design, financing, construction, operation and maintenance of a municipal solid waste treatment plant, and the production of electricity, at the Shafdan Area, by the private sector.
Herzog Fox & Neeman
Herzog Fox & Neeman has a strong reputation in the infrastructure and project finance space, where it acts for multinational project consortiums, public and private project tenderers, lending bodies and financiers, and project operators. The practice group is jointly headed by Mark Phillips and Adam Eytan ('one of the brightest lawyers in this field'). Phillips is acting for one of the bidding consortiums for two new segments of the Tel Aviv LRT, and Eytan is advising the private-sector project companies on the development of multiple large-scale defence projects. The team is also involved in a number of major road projects, and utilities and water desalination projects, as well as a significant port development.
Practice head(s):
Testimonials
‘HFN is one of the only firms in Israel that offers two reputable, experienced, well-know partners who manage the whole practice of project finance and energy.‘
‘Mark Phillips is very experienced. You can count on him that he has checked everything.‘
‘Adam Eytan is a real partner in business decision-making. Great negotiator, great lawyer.‘
Key clients
Bank Hapoalim
Bank Leumi
Citypass
Clal Insurance Company
Haifa Chemicals
Hutchison
Israel Discount Bank
Israel Electric Corporation
Menorah Mivtachim
Migdal Insurance Company
Mizrahi Tefahot Bank
Noy Fund
R.S Industries
Work highlights
- Acting for a consortium of companies comprising Allied Holdings, Menrav, Paz and Siemens Mobility in the tender for the design, build, operation, maintenance and finance of the green and purple lines of the Tel Aviv Light Rail System.
- Advising Haifa Chemicals on the project development, land rights, zoning and permit issues, as well as preparing and negotiating BOT/BOO contracts, in connection with a large scale ammonia production plant. This is the first ammonia production plant to be established in Israel and consequently encountered unique issues with respect to relevant regulations and the commercial agreements with key project contractors.
- Advising Electra in connection with its bid for the Road 16 BOT project, one of the largest BOT projects issued in recent years.
Meitar Law Offices
Meitar Law Offices has a well-known project finance group that is particularly active in the energy infrastructure space, though the team has also had strong recent showings in the rail, road and water sectors. In addition to acting for domestic and international project companies and concessionaires, the team also has a strong reputation for advising domestic banks and insurers on the financing of major infrastructure projects, which recently included the financing of the addition of a new line on the Jerusalem LRT. Key figures in the project finance team include practice head Jonathan Finklestone and Tani Zahavi, 'a problem solver, not a problem maker'. Also recommended are Guy Kles, Elad Sharbani, who was recently promoted to partner, and Renelle Joffe, who is a name to note for energy-sector work.
Practice head(s):
Testimonials
‘A large team with vast experience and understanding of the PPP market, both Israeli and international.‘
‘The office’s major strength is its size and the ability to offer a wide range of legal services, a one stop shop.‘
Key clients
Energean Israel Limited
Bank Hapoalim
Bank Leumi le-Israel
Megalim Solar Power
Shapir Engineering Cross Israel North
Super NG Natural Gas Distribution Company
Super Gas Natural
Migdal Bat Yam Magistrate Court
Israel Discount Bank
Harel Insurance Company
Alstom Transportation Israel
Cross Israel Highway
Ashdod Port
Ein Netafim
Afek Ha’Shomron
Ashkelon Economic Co.
Israel Electric Corporation
Work highlights
- Acting for KommunalKredit in its first financing in Israel of an infrastructure project in Israel of PV solar installations in Israel.
- Advising an Israeli infrastructure company on a tender in Greece for the concession for a new highway in Crete, Greece.
- Acting for Bank Hapoalim and other lenders in connection with the financing of a PPP for the development of a new highway into Jerusalem. The highway involves the construction of various tunnels and over-passes as its route is through areas of natural beauty or built-up areas.
Shibolet & Co.
Shibolet & Co. provides high-quality services to project companies, contractors and financiers in a huge range of domestic and international infrastructure projects, spanning energy infrastructure, road and rail projects, ports and various other utilities projects. Of particular note, in 2019 the firm's client Trans-Jerusalem J-Net was chosen as the winner of a multibillion-dollar tender for the expansion and further development of the Jerusalem light rail network. A key figure in the team is David Magriso, who led the J-Net tender and is also advising key participants in tenders for the Tel Aviv LRT extensions and one of the country's most significant highway projects. Also recommended are Revital Ben-Artzi, Orit Marom-Albeck, and Alon Ziv, who is a standout figure in the project finance space and is particularly active in the energy sector.
Practice head(s):
Revital Ben-Artzi; David Magriso; Orit Marom-Albeck; Alon Ziv
Key clients
Shapir Civil and Marine Engineering
Ashtrom Group
Israel Ports Company
Bank Hapoalim
Clal Insurance
Phoenix Insurance Company
Paz Ashdod Refinery
Meitav Dash Investment
Menora Mivtachim Insurance
China State Construction Engineering Corporation
Shikun & Binui
Ellomay Pumped Storage (2014)
NTA – Metropolitan Mass Transit System
Rafael Advanced Defence Systems
Netafim
Israel Railways
Haifa Chemicals
Home Biogas
Delek Group
Helios Energy Investments
Blue Sphere Corporation
Solegreen
Global Sun Israel
Capital Nature
Eilat Eilot Renewable Energy
Telemenia
F.K. Generators and Equipment
Eilat Eilot Renewable Energy
Work highlights
- Acting for the winning consortium in the preparation and submission of a bid in a tender issued by the Israeli Ministry of Transportation and the Ministry of Finance for the development of the Jerusalem Light Rail Transit Network (the “J-Net”) project.
- Advised a consortium comprising Ashtrom Group, Oron Group Investments & Holdings and Obras Subterraneas, on the tender submission of a bid in the Israeli government’s tender for the design, financing construction, operation and maintenance for 25 years of Highway 16.
- Acting as lead advisor to Telemenia in relation to all legal aspects of project financing, development, construction and maintenance of its power plants worldwide, including recent project developments in Europe, Africa and South America.
Tadmor Levy & Co
The team at Tadmor Levy & Co has experience acting for sponsors, lenders and project companies in project finance and development mandates, though the group is perhaps best known as one of the premier firms acting on the public sector side of major infrastructure projects. Indeed, the practice group has taken leading roles in the development of the Jerusalem light rail system and major sections of the Tel Aviv metro system, several significant highway projects, the headline Red Sea-Dead Sea water project, multiple port and defence projects, and various other infrastructure mandates. Noa Meidan heads the practice group, and Yotam Leshem and Asher Bichoonski are also recommended. Next generation lawyer Idan Hirshberg left for an in-house role in 2019.
Practice head(s):
Testimonials
‘Adv Yotam Leshem makes you feel very comfortable, knowing that all issues are covered and addressed. Having such legal adviser on your side is one of the most important things you can ask in negotiating complex transactions.‘
‘Noa Meidan and Asher Bichoonski are industry leaders. Highly professional, knowledgeable and are great partners to consult with.‘
Key clients
Ministry of Regional Cooperation
Inter-Ministerial Committee for the Jerusalem Light Rail
N.T.A. – Metropolitan Mass Transit System
Shanghai International Port Group Limited (SIPG)
Bank Hapoalim
Ministry of Defense
Cross Israel Highway
Bank Leumi
Bank Discount
Work highlights
- Acting for NTA in relation to the PPP tenders for the finance, design, construction, and maintenance of the Green Line and the Purple Line of the Tel Aviv Metropolitan Light Rail.
- Acting for Shanghai International Port Group in relation to the development of the port in Haifa. This includes advice not only on the concession agreement with the Israel Ports Development & Asset Company, but also on the EPC, EPCM, O&M, and other project agreements.
- Acting for Israel Discount Bank and other lenders in financing a BOT project for a dormitory at Bar Ilan University, a national training centre for the police force and many other projects.
Yigal Arnon & Co
Yigal Arnon & Co has a particularly strong reputation for advising governmental bodies on the development of major transport infrastructure projects, thought the team also has a strong client roster of project contractors and investment funds. In addition to the team's key strength in transport and port infrastructure, David Schapiro is involved in an innovative telecoms project to bring widespread fibre optic internet connections to Israel. Other key figures in the team include Doron Tamir, Micha Tollman and Oren Roth, who are acting for NTA in relation to all sub-projects of the Tel Aviv LRT and also assisted with the publication of the group's main tenders for the LRT project. Simon Weintraub is another name to note.
Practice head(s):
Key clients
Siemens Israel
NTA Metropolitan Mass Transit System
Israel Infrastructure Fund (IIF)
Derech Eretz Highways (DEC)
Shapir Civil & Marine Engineering
Israel Broadband Corporation (IBC)
Ministry of Energy & Water Resources
Ministry of Finance
Ministry of Internal Security
Ministry of Transportation
UBS Bank
Barclays Capital
Citibank
HSBC Bank
BNP Paribas
JPMorgan Chase
The Jerusalem Municipality
Alliance Tire Company
Inbal Insurance Company
Wärtsilä Corporation
Apartment for Rent
Work highlights
- Acting for the Ministry of Transportation, Ministry of Finance, and the Jerusalem Municipality in ongoing matters related to the Red, Green and (upcoming) Blue Lines of the Jerusalem Light Railway Train (LRT), one of the largest infrastructure projects in Israel.
- Acting for NTA Metropolitan Mass Transit System in legal matters concerning the Light Rail Transit (LRT) Project in metropolitan Tel Aviv.
- Assisted Shapir with its successful bid for a tender issued by the Inter-Ministerial Tender Committee for the PPP/BOT Highway 16 Project – a highway which is planned to connect two highways to serve as an additional main access road to Jerusalem.
Goldfarb Seligman & Co.
With firm-wide strengths in finance, litigation, planning and construction, and high-value international corporate transactions, Goldfarb Seligman & Co. advises domestic and international corporates, state-owned companies, investors and lenders on financing and investment transactions, and development agreements in a huge variety of infrastructure projects. In the domestic market, one of the team's most active clients is Netivei Ayalon, the government-owned highway management company, which the team advised on over 50 new tenders in 2018. Headed by Rami Sofer, the practice group is also acting for large international engineering companies in major projects in the rail and ship infrastructure sectors. Other recommended figures include Oren Reif, who has been particularly standout in the energy infrastructure space, Dubi Zoltak, who leads the capital markets team, and Rayek Khoury. Orit Farkash-Hacohen left the firm to serve in the Israeli parliament.
Practice head(s):
Testimonials
‘The firm provided us with comprehensive legal services that met our specific needs, given the fact that we are not an Israeli company, and we needed a lot of assessment according to local rules and regulations.‘
‘The firm’s attorneys possess extensive expertise and experience in various fields of law and provide comprehensive and creative legal services.‘
‘Goldfarb has been blessed with an outstanding group of professional experts working together as a team.‘
‘Rami’s team is always available for us. They provide instant advice and excellent customer service.‘
Key clients
The Israel Electric Corporation (IEC)
Morgan Stanley Bank International Limited
Morgan Stanley Senior Funding
Citigroup Global Markets Limited
Citibank, London Branch
Stifel Financial Corp.
Poalim I.B.I. – Managing & Underwriting
Shikun & Binui – Solel Boneh – Infrastructure
Danya Cebus
Shapir Civil and Marine Engineering
Canada Israel Group
Mekorot Development & Enterprise
Oficina Técnica de Estudios y Control de Obra
Lesico
Alon Energy Centers
TEN – Petroleum Company
Magen David Adom In Israel (MDA)
Negev Natural Gas
Darom Natural Gas
Edeltech Group
Netivei Ayalon
Cross Israel Highway
Ezom
Gabi Shoef
SolelAben EPC Ashalim Limited Partnership
TSK Group
Miya Luxemburg Holdings
Mota-Engil SGPS
Generation Capita
Isa Khoury Metal Industry
Kolbo Gas
OPC Energy
Isragas-Ofek
SBges EPC JV
ESCO Israe
Amitim Pension Funds
Solegreen
Ellied Infrastructure
K.N Solar Holdings
Hadar Hatsafon Engineering & Construction (1995)
V.I.D. Desalination Company
Hod Assaf Industries
Majdal Shams Local Council
Kfar Saba Water Plant – Cooperative Agricultural Society
Work highlights
- Advising Shapir Civil and Marine Engineering on the construction of route 16 (the Ariel Sharon Highway), a new 4.7 km, three-lane highway planned as an additional entrance route to Jerusalem. The project, with an estimated value of NIS1.3bn, will include two tunnels, a bridge, and several interchanges. Our firm is advising Shapir on all planning aspects of the project.
- Representing Mekorot in the objection it submitted to a plan presented by Israel Railways and the Haifa Port for laying tracks across Mekorot’s Northern compound, expropriating part of the compound and preventing its use by Mekorot.
- Acting for Ayalon Highways in relation to the flagship project of the Transportation Ministry – establishing cycle paths throughout the greater Tel-Aviv metropolitan area. The project’s goals include reducing congestion; improving accessibility via bicycle throughout the metropolis by constructing over 150 km of cycle paths, connecting commercial and employment centres; improving biker safety; and reducing pollution.
Gross, Kleinhendler, Hodak, Halevy, Greenberg, Shenhav & Co.
Gross, Kleinhendler, Hodak, Halevy, Greenberg, Shenhav & Co. has experience acting for public sector bodies in major infrastructure tenders, and also advises domestic and international contractors and sub-contractors on their participation in bids and development mandates in the rail and road, energy, IT, and water sectors. Tal Danon Shenhav has advised the State of Israel throughout the process of a number of major highway tenders, and is also acting for an Israeli utilities company in the development of a project in the Republic of Guinea. Anat Klein is particularly active in the energy space, but also has expertise in infrastructure, more generally, having recently been involved in a bid for the development of new lines on the Tel Aviv LRT.
Practice head(s):
Key clients
Amiad Water Systems
BlueBird Aero Systems
Derech Hayam
EFACEC Power Solutions
Generation Capital
Marshall Isotopes
NTA Metropolitan Mass Transit System
Ramat Hasharon Municipality
SHAPIR Civil & Marine Engineering
Solel Boneh – Shikun Binui
The Ministry of Finance, the Procurement Administration
The Ministry of Finance, National Housing
The Ministry of National Infrastructures, Energy and Water and The Geological Survey Institution
Cross Israel Highways
Work highlights
- Represented the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Transportation and Cross Israel Highways, the implementing authority, in the refinancing of a senior debt of the Carmelton Group – the concessionaire of the Carmelton Tunnel project – including the increase of the senior debt, the raise of mezzanine debt, the discharge of certain project obligations to the State of Israel and to the sponsors of the project.
- Acting for EFACEC, a Portuguese company, the major contractor and the experience provider of Shikun & Binui group, which was one of the two bidders for the construction and operation of the Green and Purple Lines of the light train in Jerusalem.
- Advised Solel Boneh – Shikun Binui on its participation in a PPP tender for the finance, design, construction and maintenance of the Tel Aviv Green and Purple Light Rail Lines for a period of 25 years, published by the State of Israel on June 2019.
Lipa Meir & Co
Lipa Meir & Co is best known for advising national governmental bodies, state-owned companies and municipalities on infrastructure tenders, with particular expertise in the defence and water desalination sectors. The team acts for the Israeli Water Desalination Administration in relation to the ongoing operation of all five of Israel's desalination plants, and department head Michal Schwartz is advising the Ministry of Finance on tenders for two large-scale desalination projects, including the NIS2bn development of the Sorek Site B development. In the defence sector, the team is representing the Ministry of Defence in two major tenders, including the IDF technology campus, one of the largest development tenders ever issued in Israel. Another key figure is Zuriel Lavie, who has niche expertise in agriculture law and also has extensive experience acting for the country's kibbutzim.
Practice head(s):
Key clients
The Israeli Ministry of Defense
Via Mobility Israel
The Israeli Water Desalination Administration
The Ministry of Finance
THE TEL AVIV – YAFO ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY
Tel Hashomer Hospital
The Ministry of Internal Security
Netafim
Harel Group
Bituach Haklai
NTA Metropolitan Mass Transit Systems
Alstom
Work highlights
- Acting for the Ministry of Defense in the tender for the NIS7bn “Technology Campus” project in southern Israel.
- Advising the Ministry of Finance – the Interministrial Tender Committee in a tender for a second desalination plant at Sorek (B Site), which will produce 200 million cubic meters per year, making it the world’s largest desalination facility.
- Advising advising a local agricultural company (a subsidiary of Netafim) on the financing of major agricultural projects in Mexico and Peru.
M. Firon & Co Advocates and Notaries
M. Firon & Co Advocates and Notaries is consistently involved in bids for and the development of significant road and rail infrastructure, port developments, defence projects and nationwide real estate projects. Headed by Tamar Firon-Smorodinsky, the practice group acts for well-known domestic development companies such as Electra and Ashtrom Group, and has a growing roster of international corporates, including multiple Chinese engineering groups and, most recently, a major international utilities company. In addition to acting for development consortiums in connection with LRT projects in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv, the team is also advising the construction contractor on the NIS4bn development of the new shipping port at Haifa. Also recommended are Timor Pesso and Ran Mahlab.
Practice head(s):
Testimonials
‘The firm provides outstanding service: dynamic, up to date, very thorough and business oriented. Deep understanding of commercial issues as well as of financial matters. Great negotiators with financial entities as well as with contractors, business-partners and clients.‘
‘The firm has managed to solve some complicated legal issues regarding planning and zoning consequently helped us maximize the potential of some of our projects. They are simply the best!‘
‘I am really grateful for the opportunity to provide Firon with this recommendation. I have been working with several teams in the firm, including infrastructure, real estate and litigation, and have nothing but praise. It is a genuine pleasure working with the infrastructure team.‘
‘Above all I like the firm’s ability to solve complicated legal problems, to safely navigate us toward the light at the end of the tunnel and actually get us where we need to go.‘
Key clients
Ashtrom Group
Electra Construction and Energy
Electra FM
CRTG
Afcon and Flying Cargo
Oron Group
Kavim
Harel Insurance Company
Bombardier
Carmelton Group
EEB
Shapir Civil and Marine Engineering
CREC
Work highlights
- Acting for Ashtrom Group, Afcon and Flying Cargo in the tender that will be issued by Israel Ministry of Defence for a BOT project for the financing, planning, construction and operation of new army logistic centres.
- Advised Electra Infrastructure, Electra Concession and Electra FM on all aspects of a tender issued for the construction of the green line of the light rail in Jerusalem.
- Acting for the contractor formed by Ashtrom and Shapir, in all aspects regarding the construction of the new Haifa port.
S. Horowitz & Co
S. Horowitz & Co has considerable strengths in banking and finance, litigation, construction, and administrative law, skill sets that all contribute to the firm's ability to handle mega-project financing and development matters. Key names on the lender side include Clifford Davis, who specialises in international transactions and has experience in export credit financing, and Aharon Bloch and Michelle Liberman, who acted for the lenders in relation to the Jerusalem LRT BOT, Israel's only operating light railway project. Names to note for bidders and project companies include Benjamin Sheffer, who is acting for an international bidder in tender for the design and construction of an additional line on the Tel Aviv LRT, and Eran Bezalel, who is involved in a number of large projects related to the Cross-Israel Highway.
Practice head(s):
Aharon Bloch; Michelle Liberman; Benjamin Sheffer; Eran Bezalel
Key clients
Israel Electric Corporation
IVM – Minrav Sadyt (IVM)
Shapir Civil and Marine Engineering
Israel Infrastructure Fund
Minrav Engineering and Construction
Bank Hapoalim
Bank Leumi Le Israel
Bank Mizrahi-Tefahot
Israel Discount Bank
Minrav Holdings
Impresa Pizzarotti
SC Western Segment’s Construction
Electra
Work highlights
- Acting for SC Western Segment in relation to the construction of tunnels for the Red Line of the Tel Aviv Light Railway.
- Acting for Shapir, as the concessionaire of the northern extension to the Cross-Israel Highway, Israel’s major toll road, in relation to the agreement to build, operate and transfer this significant portion of the Cross-Israel Highway for 34 years.
- Acting for Minrav Holdings and Electra in a joint bid for the Ofek Rahav PFI Project issued by the Ministry of Defense, in which four military bases will be consolidated in the centre of the country into one base near Ramle.
Simon-Vekslar, Spierer, Maoz Law Offices
Simon-Vekslar, Spierer, Maoz Law Offices was established by Ayelet Simon-Vekslar, Shira Spierer and Shmuel Maoz in 2019 following the dissolution of Weinstock Zecler & Co. Though the firm is a new name in the market, the team is providing the same high-quality administrative and tenders law advice to its enviable public sector client base. Simon-Vekslar heads the practice group and is 'quite a leader' indeed; she advised NTA on the original drafting of the tender for the development of the Tel Aviv transit system's Red Line, and is currently acting for NTA in several other tenders for the Red Line in addition to tenders for works on the upcoming Green Line.
Practice head(s):
Testimonials
‘This is a very professional firm with great legal abilities and knowledge. The attorneys are experts in their field.‘
‘Able to give a quick and thorough response to all the issues concerning the world of tenders. The customers appreciate them very much.‘
‘Adv. Ayelet Vekslar is an expert in tenders, with the ability to prepare complex tenders and to appear in court.‘
‘This practice is really unique. They have an excellent knowledge and understanding of BOT agreements and practices for the whole scope of such projects – from inception to preparation of agreements to invitation to tender and through project management and claims stages. This practice always takes considerable to study and deeply understand the complex relevant engineering issues.‘
‘Very precise high edge legal services in tender law and infrastructure. Very knowledgeable and reliable. Very outgoing and humble. Liked by the courts.‘
‘The team holds unique experience in all aspects of infrastructure projects. Their extensive knowledge in tender law, construction contracts as well as project finance provides the client with excellent overall legal services which no other firm provides. In addition they have strong team work qualities. All the practice’s knowledge and experience is apparently transferred to all team members enabling us the confidence to work with any member of their team.‘
‘Ayelet Simon-Vekslar heading the office has vast experience in all aspects of infrastructure projects, including tender procedures, contracts, negotiations, litigation both in administrative procedures and contractors’ claims and other contractual disputes, legislation and practically any issue that we may face during the life cycle of an infrastructure project. Her advice is always appreciated and carefully thought through in advance, providing us with her responsible looking forward sight suggesting creative solutions which a lot of times enables avoiding lengthy legal procedures and disputes enabling us to concentrate on the project.‘
‘Ayelet Vekslar is a quiet leader. She is a professional in her practice and someone very pleasant to work with.‘
Key clients
Israel Railways
Netivei Israel – National Transport Infrastructure Company
Cross Israel Highway
NTA – Metropolitan Mass Transit System
Ministry of Transport
Mekorot Water
Israel Water Authority
Israel Ports Development & Assets Company
Tel Aviv Municipality
Work highlights
- Acting for NTA – Metropolitan Mass Transit System in the publication of a number of tenders and negotiation of contract documents for the Red Line Tel Aviv railway project. This has most recently included tenders for the signalling and train control systems and underground station fit-outs.
- Acted for Cross Israel Highway in all aspects of the BOT scheme for the Cross Israel Northern Highway. The project is in implementation stage and the firm is currently advising on various concessionaire and financier matters and is representing the State in certain concessionaire disputes.
- Acting for Mekorot Water throughout the full tender process and related contractor claims for the development of a water tunnel system to Jerusalem.
Yehuda Raveh & Co.
Yehuda Raveh & Co. has a very strong reputation in Israel's project finance market, and has been a longstanding key adviser to a number of high-profile domestic banks and investment groups, and energy companies, particularly in the renewables space. In particular, the practice group is among the most experienced in high-profile PPPs and was also an early pioneer of IPPs in Israel. Practice head Ron Vered is highly regarded by peers in the market; he is currently involved in two headline tenders for the development of large-scale IDF facilities, and is also involved in the financing and development of some of the country's most significant PV projects.
Practice head(s):
Key clients
Minrav
Enlight Renewable Energy
Electra
Electra Power
Denham Capital
Dan Capital
Gas Natural Fenosa
Solel Boneh
Work highlights
- Acted for Minrav, as the main shareholder of Mabat Lanegev, which won the tender for the design, finance, construction, operation and maintenance of the IDF’s instruction city. The project is the largest PPP project in Israel to date.
- Acted for Electra in relation to the establishment of the new training city for the IDF – Israel Defence Forces (“Ir Habahadim”).
- Acted for Enlight Renewable Energy in relation to the “Halutziot” project – the largest PV solar energy project executed in Israel to date.
Yossi Levy & Co
Yossi Levy & Co has a strong reputation for project finance in BOT and PPP projects, which has recently seen it involved in development mandates in the energy, transportation, water, and social infrastructure sectors. In particular, the team has a long-standing relationship with Electra, which it recently advised on development projects spanning student dormitories, power projects, and a major government complex. Uri Mandel heads the practice group, and is rated by clients for his 'practical, service-oriented approach' and his 'commitment to a high standard of legal services'. In addition to acting for a variety of EPC contractors and other project companies, Mandel is also instructed by a number of domestic banks and alternative lenders.
Practice head(s):
Testimonials
‘After years of experience in working with Yossi Levy, I believe that the team’s performance in the infrastructure and energy sector is one of the best in Israel. The team has extensive knowledge and deep understanding of the sector, and is involved in some of the most significant projects in Israel, including projects that involve international investors and financiers.‘
‘The firm staff working with us is headed by Uri Mandel a very professional lawyer, who is knowledgeable in the field of BOT projects, efficient, and available to us at any time. The team provides excellent legal service.‘
Key clients
PSP Investments
Bank Hapoalim
Bank Leumi
The Israel Airport Authority (IAA)
Harel Insurance Company
Electra
Afcon Holdings
Clalit Health Services
Work highlights
- Acting as legal adviser to the Israel Airports Authority, on the tenders published by it for the construction of “Timna” Airport, a new international airport in southern Israel.
- Acting for Electra in a project for the construction, administration and maintenance of the Netanya District Government Complex in central Israel.
- Advising Afcon on a BOT project for the design, finance, construction, operation and maintenance of students dormitory building of the College of Management in central Israel.
Amit, Pollak, Matalon & Co. Advocates and Notary
Over the last three years, Amit, Pollak, Matalon & Co. Advocates and Notary has significantly increased its presence in Israel's infrastructure market, and has become a regular counsel to multinational consortiums in bids for the country's largest infrastructure projects. Department head Nadia Davidzon has built up a roster of international clients including Bombardier, IBI Group, and Macquarie, and has recently been involved in tenders for the extensions of the Jerusalem LRT, the design of underground stations for Tel Aviv's metro network, the development of the IDF's logistics centre, and the EPC contract for the desalination plant at Ashdod. The firm also has an active administrative litigation practice, which recently represented Lesico in the Supreme Court regarding a disputed tender award.
Practice head(s):
Key clients
IBI Group
IBIB Consultants (Israel)
Bombardier Group
Menorah Izu Aharon
Israel Land Development Company
Seldat Distribution
Macquarie Corporate Holdings
Afcon Holdings
Metropoline Public Transportation
IVM Minrav Sadyt
Lesico Group
Oron Holdings
National Building Contractors (Bonei Ha’aretz) Association
Work highlights
- Acting for a multinational consortium (as a bidder/SPC) ed by Bombardier Group and Macquarie Group throughout the pre-qualification process and subsequently through the tender process of the J-Net BOT rail project in Jerusalem.
- Advising IBI Group on the entire design and supreme supervision of ten underground stations and tunnel design services for the Tel Aviv LRT Red Line and Metro lines in the middle of an urban area of Tel Aviv and the central region.
- Acting for Seldat Distribution and Israel Land Development Company throughout pre-qualification and subsequently through the tender process for a PPP project for the finance, design, construction, operation and maintenance of the IDF Unified Supply (Logistics) Center project. This is one of the largest PPPs issued in Israel in the past decade.
Epstein Rosenblum Maoz (ERM)
Rated by clients for its 'excellent service at a great value', Epstein Rosenblum Maoz (ERM) has experience advising multinational bidding consortiums and a variety of other bidding participants in transport and water projects, and is particularly experienced in power and energy projects. The practice group is headed by Amnon Epstein, 'a very client-focused partner', who is routinely instructed by European and other international engineering companies and lenders. Also recommended is Asaf Rimon, who is especially experienced in project finance transactions in the energy space.
Practice head(s):
Testimonials
‘Great team: cohesive, fun to work with, and great industry knowledge.‘
‘Amnon Epstein has an excellent understanding of regulation.‘
‘Dedicated partner level support and excellent service at better rates than the largest firms.‘
Key clients
N.T.A – MetropolitanMass Transit System
Tahal Group
The Phoenix Group
Netixis
Bank Leumi
Anglo Turbo
Shikun Binui
Kibbutz Economies Group (Mishkei Hakibbutzim)
Evoqua Water Technologies
Veridis
K.N. Solar
Noy Fund
Hutchison Water International
Oshrad
Bombardier
IIF (Israel Infrastructure Fund)
Allied
Razio
Pan-Mediterranean Engineering Company
Solaer
Mivtach Shamir
Macqurie
Goldman Sachs
Societe Generale
Credit Agricole
Global Power
Abengoa
BNP Paribas
Work highlights
- Acting for Bombardier, as a member of a consortium, in respect of the submission at PQ stage in relation to the Green and Purple lines of the Tel Aviv LRT.
- Advising Mekorot the national water company on a tender for water drilling companies.
Erdinast, Ben Nathan, Toledano & Co.
The team at Erdinast, Ben Nathan, Toledano & Co. is regularly instructed by international and domestic corporates participating in multinational bidding consortiums for Israel's largest infrastructure projects. Jointly headed by Uri Noy and Nadav Olgan, the team is particularly active in the power and energy space, but has also been involved in a number of recent tenders in the transport, defence and water sectors. In January 2019, the firm further strengthened its project finance practice with the hire of Roy Gross from Amit, Pollak, Matalon & Co. Advocates and Notary.
Practice head(s):
Key clients
Flying Cargo
Afcon Holdings
Shlomo Group
Phoenix Insurance Group
Israel Natural Gas Lines
Egged Taavura
Acciona Agua
Work highlights
- Acting for Flying Cargo, as a member of a consortium that submitted an offer in the tender for financing, planning, construction, operation, and maintenance of the IDF Unified Supply Centre project, issued by the Ministry of Defence.
- Acting for Acciona Agua and Afcon Holdings as the EPC contractor of a consortium that successfully passed the pre-qualification process, and recently submitted an offer in the tender for build, operate and transfer of the Sorek B Desalination Facility, which is expected to be one of the largest desalination facilities in the world.