KKL-JNF Approves 863 Million Shekel Investment Plan for the North
Nearly 900 million shekels will be invested over three years in programs for infrastructure, housing, and education in Israel's North. This follows nearly a billion shekels already approved earlier this year. KKL-JNF Chairman Eyal Ostrinsky stated that the organization provides immediate funding where state processes are often delayed.
The KKL-JNF Board of Directors approved an extensive investment plan totaling approximately 863 million shekels for the North on Wednesday. The initiative, led by Chairman Eyal Ostrinsky, views the region as a single entity—from the Lower Galilee to the confrontation line—providing tailored solutions for local development needs.
The three-year budget allocation includes:
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362 million shekels for direct support to local authorities for infrastructure and environmental projects.
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150 million shekels for purchasing apartments to be rented at reduced rates to educational staff.
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120 million shekels for the "Community Builds a Homeland" program, aiming to attract 1,200 new residents to the Galilee.
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100 million shekels for housing in the mixed cities of Nof HaGalil, Karmiel, and Acre.
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76 million shekels to establish four new KKL-JNF houses in Nahariya, Afula, Karmiel, and Tiberias.
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32.5 million shekels for 12 border-adjacent settlements (0-2 km) that have lacked direct support.
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50 million shekels divided between the Misgav Regional Council, Hatzor HaGlilit, and Rosh Pinna.
Further funds are earmarked for completing the Shibolim settlement, supporting Kfar Vradim, funding cultural activities, and enhancing fire protection in Kibbutz Hanita.
"This is one of the most significant decisions in the organization's history," said Chairman Eyal Ostrinsky. He emphasized that KKL-JNF does not seek to replace the government but to provide immediate, effective funding where state processes are slow. Ostrinsky criticized the pace of government aid, noting that KKL-JNF is acting as a "minor government" by deploying "smart money"—funds that are strictly earmarked, tracked, and monitored throughout the execution process.
