Good news from Haifa: The Justice Ministry, the Education Ministry, and additional government ministries have returned to the Sail Tower (“The Missile Building”) in Haifa. As recalled, the various government offices were evacuated from the tower about a year ago after it was hit by the blast of an Iranian missile during Operation Rising Lion..
Over the past year, the building's owners, the Nazarian family, worked on its renovation and restoration, and it is currently returning to constitute the lion's share of the city's district government complex. In addition, the state, via Adv. Merav Gilboa and Oded Reihan from the S. Friedman law firm, signed a new agreement to extend the lease contracts of the government offices in the tower by an additional 16 years.
The Sail Tower in Haifa spans 31,000 square meters, with 25 floors above ground and 3 underground parking floors. The building is owned by N.M.N.B.S., controlled by the Nazarian family from the United States. The family is known for its major contribution to Israeli society through the “Younes and Soraya Nazarian Family Foundation.”
The family supports a variety of institutions and initiatives across the country, and particularly in the city of Haifa, among them Rambam Medical Center, the University of Haifa, the Ima Fund association, which grants student scholarships and works to reduce social gaps in Israel through exposure to art and culture, and more.
The Nazarian family notes that although the building did not suffer a direct hit and no structural damage was caused to the building's skeleton, the family will invest an additional approximately NIS 100m. in upgrading the building's systems and infrastructure, among them air conditioning, elevators, machine rooms, electrical panels, access control systems, fire extinguishing, restrooms, kitchenettes, and more. In addition, the owners note, part of the budget is expected to be utilized by the state for an additional upgrade of the floors it leases.
Sail Tower undergoes NIS 100 million upgrade after missile strike
The Iranian ballistic missile hit in the vicinity of the Sail Tower (“The Missile Building”) in Haifa on Friday, June 20, 2025, at around 3:52 p.m., during Operation Rising Lion. The strike occurred in the government complex in the Lower Town. The blast caused heavy damage to the tower and neighboring buildings, and 55 people were wounded. Following the strike, the tower was evacuated and declared a dangerous structure.
Dr. Sharon Nazarian, one of the building's owners: “For us, the Sail Tower is much more than ‘just another real estate asset’; it is the story of the state. An exceptional, different, and unique icon in the landscape, which no matter what, moves forward stronger, more upgraded, erect, and prouder. Even when the building was forced to evacuate, we knew that returning to it was only a matter of time. These days, we have allocated a dedicated budget of another NIS 100m. in order to return it to the tenants in a condition even better than it was prior to the strike. We believe in the building, the city, and the state, and we are glad to see that it is mutual—the state also believes in us and has extended the lease contracts of the government offices in the tower by another 16 years.”
Haifa Mayor Yona Yahav: “The return of the government offices to the Sail Tower is important news for Haifa and its residents. From the moment the tower was forced to evacuate, I worked with all parties to return government activity to the heart of the Lower Town and ensure that the residents of Haifa and the North receive the services they deserve here. I was glad to be of assistance to the parties in reaching understandings for the return to the offices and the prosperity of the Lower Town. The long-term extension of the lease contracts and the significant investment in upgrading the tower are a clear expression of confidence in Haifa and its future, and in recognizing its importance as a metropolitan city serving over a million residents in Haifa and the North. Government offices and central government services need to be here, in Haifa, and provide a response to all the residents of the metropolis. The government complex is a significant anchor in the Lower Town, and the return to full activity will strengthen businesses, bring back thousands of employees and visitors, and help continue the area's renewal momentum. Haifa is moving forward.”