The Jerusalem Municipality and the Israeli Defense Ministry signed a strategic cooperation agreement on Monday aimed at significantly increasing the military’s presence in the capital.
Defense Minister Israel Katz, Jerusalem Mayor Moshe Lion and senior officials from the defense establishment and the municipality attended the signing ceremony at Jerusalem City Hall.
Under the agreement, a branch of the Directorate of Defense Research and Development (DDR&D) will be built at the city’s entrance, the IDF’s military colleges will relocate from Camp Dayan in Glilot to Jerusalem, a new IDF museum will be established near the Mandel Leadership Institute, the IDF Induction Center (Meitav) will be upgraded, and housing projects for career IDF personnel will be advanced.
Katz said the agreement sends a clear message that “Jerusalem is being built, developing and growing stronger as the eternal capital of the State of Israel and of the Jewish people. That is the best answer to our enemies, to those who wish us harm, and to anyone who dares to challenge the eternal connection of the Jewish people to the city of Jerusalem.”
Lion called the partnership “a significant moment that will strengthen Jerusalem and place it at the forefront of national security.
“The establishment of new facilities and infrastructure of the defense establishment in Israel’s capital is a clear declaration of strength, commitment and confidence,” Lion continued. “This is a strategic move that will create new centers of power in the city, strengthen the urban economy and deepen Jerusalem’s status as a city that is leading the State of Israel forward. Today we have laid foundations that will bear fruit for decades to come.”
