To encourage development in the Lakhish region and the Negev: JNF in unprecedented investment

The JNF board approved an unprecedented investment plan for developing the south, totaling about 190 million shekels for projects in the Lakhish region, the western Negev, and the Be'er Sheva metropolis, alongside 57 million shekels for establishing JNF excellence centers in Eilat, Dimona, and Kiryat Gat. The investment also includes 80 million shekels for regional councils, 30 million shekels to encourage settlement, and 8 million shekels for cultural events. JNF chairman Ayal Ostrynski presented the move as strengthening the south.

The JNF board approved today (Wednesday) a broad investment plan for developing the south, totaling hundreds of millions of shekels. At the center of the move, proposed by JNF chairman Ayal Ostrynski, is an investment of about 190 million shekels in projects for environmental development, infrastructure, public buildings, and land preparation in the communities of the Lakhish region, the western Negev, and the Be'er Sheva metropolis. Additionally, the JNF will invest 57 million shekels in establishing three "JNF excellence centers" in Eilat, Dimona, and Kiryat Gat, and about 30 million shekels to encourage settlement in the southern cities. As part of the plan, a precedent-setting investment of about 80 million shekels was also approved for the regional councils of Lakhish, Yoav, Be'er Tuvia, Shafir, and Nahal Sorek, as well as 25 million shekels for the Bnei Shimon and Lehavim councils. In the Be'er Sheva metropolis, 52 million shekels will be invested, and in the city of Be'er Sheva about 40 million shekels, including for the development of the largest bicycle park in Israel. The board also approved a third installment of 32 million shekels to assist the Arava Tichona and Hevel Eilot councils, and a multi-year plan for Zionist cultural events in the south totaling about 8 million shekels. Ostrynski stated that the decisions reflect a deep commitment to the south and a view of the entire region as one national mission.