The Geographic Committee examining municipal mergers has published its recommendations for three clusters of authorities under review. The committee recommended merging the Alona Regional Council with the Menashe Regional Council, as well as merging the Elkana Local Council with the Shaar Shomron Council, excluding Oranit, which was also included in the committee's original mandate. Additionally, the committee recommended against merging the Dead Sea Megilot Regional Council with the Jordan Valley Regional Council. The committee's comprehensive findings will be presented to Interior Minister Moshe Arbel, who holds the authority for the final decision.