KKL-JNF Announces Unprecedented Investment in Lachish and Negev Development
The KKL-JNF board of directors has approved a 190 million NIS investment package for environmental, infrastructure, and community development projects in the South. Chairman Eyal Ostrinsky emphasized that strengthening the region is a top national priority.
The KKL-JNF board of directors approved a proposal on Wednesday to invest in the development of the Lachish region, the Western Negev, the Beersheba metropolis, and the establishment of KKL-JNF Houses for Excellence in Eilat, Dimona, and Kiryat Gat.
At the heart of the initiative, proposed by KKL-JNF Chairman Eyal Ostrinsky, is an investment of approximately 190 million NIS in environmental development, infrastructure, public buildings, and land preparation across southern communities. Additionally, KKL-JNF will invest 57 million NIS in establishing three "KKL-JNF Houses for Excellence" in Eilat, Dimona, and Arad, along with 30 million NIS to encourage settlement in southern cities and 8 million NIS for cultural events over the next three years.
As part of the program, 80 million NIS has been allocated to the regional councils of Lachish, Yoav, Beer Tuvia, Shafir, and Nahal Sorek for local and regional open-space projects. Simultaneously, KKL-JNF will invest 25 million NIS in the Bnei Shimon and Lehavim regional councils for joint strategic projects.
Furthermore, 52 million NIS will be invested in the Beersheba metropolis, with approximately 40 million NIS specifically for the city of Beersheba, including the development of Israel's largest bicycle park and various educational and cultural programs.
The board also approved a third installment of aid to the Central Arava and Hevel Eilot regional councils, totaling 32 million NIS, for land preparation for housing and agriculture, agricultural roads, and other projects to promote demographic growth.
To promote settlement in Negev cities—including Sderot, Ofakim, Netivot, Arad, Dimona, and Mitzpe Ramon—30 million NIS has been allocated over the next three years to support mission-oriented groups and pre-military academy graduates.
KKL-JNF Chairman Eyal Ostrinsky stated:
"These decisions express our deep commitment to the South, the settlements of Lachish and the Negev, and the communities of the Arava. For the first time, we view the entire South as one major national mission. These programs were built in full dialogue with local leadership, in whom we have great trust. KKL-JNF says to the residents of the South: we are here by your side. Strengthening the South is not just building infrastructure, it is building the future."
