The Israeli Cabinet on Sunday approved a 1 billion shekel ($307 million) development plan for Beersheva, the Prime Minister’s Office announced, seeking to promote economic growth in the capital of the Negev.
The proposal, which was led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, focuses on economic growth, transportation infrastructure, quality of life and personal security, and education and human capital.
The project envisions the construction of a light rail system connecting the city with the suburbs and newly relocated IDF bases in the Negev, the opening of a branch of the Wingate Institute for Physical Education and Sports in the city, and an increase in the number of psychologists and medical professionals.
“Today’s decision simply adds another layer to the vision that I have been leading for a long time, which is to abolish the periphery,” Netanyahu said, urging young people to move to the region. “Most of the territory of the State of Israel is in the south. In the south there is one metropolitan center, and that is Beersheva. Around Beersheva, the entire Negev is developing.”
Smotrich added, “We are continuing to realize the vision of developing the Negev not by slogans but by budgets and action.”
To support economic growth, around 200 million shekels ($61 million) will be invested in a civilian-military R&D center in cooperation with the Weapons Development and Technology Infrastructure Administration (MAFAT), as well as other projects to expand the “ecosystem connecting academia, industry, and the military,” the Prime Minister’s Office said.
Another 500 million shekels ($153 million) will go toward a new police station, expanding the IDF Southern Command headquarters in the city, and the “development of advanced technological systems for dealing with regional security challenges.”
An additional 120 million shekels ($37 million) will go toward education, with a focus on STEM fields.
“This is an important and significant step for the State of Israel and for Beersheva,” said Mayor Ruvik Danilovich. “The Negev is at a fateful period for its future and the future of the State.”
