Israeli officials during the opening of a new recycling plant in the Negev in 2021. (Flash90) Flash90
Negev

Related:

The plans would boost the Negev population by 80,000.

By Pesach Benson, United With Israel

The Israeli government approved the establishment of a new Jewish city in the Negev, and also gave a green light to examine the possibilities of five other communities on Sunday.

The new city’s temporary name is Tela and will be located near Lehavim, which is north of Beersheba along Route 25.

Also proposed for possible development is Ir Ovot, currently a small agricultural community south of the Dead Sea near the Hatzeva Junction and Jordanian border and the creation of an industrial zone between Beersheba and Dimona.

The plans would boost the Negev population by 80,000.

In March, the cabinet approved plans for five new communities in the area of Arad, one of which was designated for Bedouins.

“Development will strengthen governance and sovereignty in the Negev and will open up the region,” said Interior Minister Ayelet, who spearheaded the initiative along with Housing Minister Ze’ev Elkin.

“It excites me on a personal level and I feel a real mission that fulfills Ben-Gurion’s vision,” she added. Shaked was referring to Israel’s first prime minister, David Ben Gurion, who long sought to develop the Negev.

Although the Negev makes up around 55 percent of Israel’s land, it is only the home to approximately 640,000 people — roughly 8% of the Israel’s population.

Send Passover Packages to Needy Israeli Soldiers - Bring Them Joy!

We are honored to thank the young men and women of the IDF who risk their lives every day to protect the citizens of Israel. Since October 7th, soldiers have been on the battlefield for months - many are hoping to come home for Passover.

Join us in sending Passover food packages (and personal notes) to Israeli soldiers and their families.

Many soldiers spend the Passover holiday with needy families back home. The soldiers greatly appreciate your love and concern. Bring them Passover joy!

CLICK HERE TO SEND YOUR PACKAGE AND NOTE TO ISRAELI SOLDIERS!