the government approved, in line with the policy led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to strengthen the Negev and deepen national presence in the south, the proposal by Minister of Construction and Housing, Chaim Katz, and Minister of Settlement, Orit Strock, to establish five new community settlements in the eastern area of the Beersheba metropolitan area, along Highway 25–80.
The decision was made as part of a broad national effort promoted by Prime Minister Netanyahu to strengthen the Negev, fortify the strategic areas of the State of Israel, and deepen sovereignty and national presence in the southern and western regions. This effort is currently consolidating a series of strategic national projects, advancing in coordination between government ministries and under the responsibility of the Prime Minister’s Office as the central staff body.
The establishment of the new settlements is a central component of the policy led by the Prime Minister, which seeks to translate a national vision into action on the ground: strengthening the Negev as a strategic area, expanding housing supply, population dispersal, deepening civilian and security presence, and creating significant settlement continuity between Beersheba and Dimona. This is a move of paramount national and security importance, combining strong civilian settlement with the development of significant land reserves, creating conditions for long-term demographic growth, and responding to the growing demand for housing, with an emphasis on young families and populations seeking to settle in the Negev.
The decision was made after in-depth professional staff work carried out by the Ministry of Construction and Housing, through the Rural Affairs Administration, in cooperation with the Ministry of Settlement and the Settlement Division, and after the completion of all necessary procedures in the planning institutions. The plan was approved by the National Council for Planning and Construction, and will be accompanied by the promotion of detailed planning, infrastructure development, the establishment of a regional center for employment and services, and preparation for gradual occupancy, as part of an overall national concept led by the Prime Minister to strengthen the civilian, economic, and security resilience of the South.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu:
“During my visit to the Negev two weeks ago, I declared: We will advance the Negev on several fronts, and one of them is Jewish settlement. This government is doing a lot in this regard. There is tremendous momentum of both action and pride, and it continues today with this important decision that brings great tidings to the Negev and to our plans to continue developing the Negev. This is great settlement news; five community settlements in the eastern area of the Beersheba metropolitan area, which will continue the momentum of the entire South.”
Minister of Construction and Housing, Chaim Katz: “Settlement along Highway 25 is a national and strategic mission. After thorough staff work and completion of procedures in the planning institutions, we are advancing a decision that translates policy into action on the ground. Expanding housing supply, strengthening the Negev, and creating settlement continuity between Beersheba and Dimona are a central component in the long-term development of the region.”
Minister of Settlement, Orit Strock: “The settlement revolution is also reaching the Negev: establishing new settlements in the northern Negev is a strategic goal that has progressed too little and too slowly over the years, resulting in the grim outcome of wild, shameful, and dangerous southern expanses. Upon entering the ministry, I instructed to prioritize the establishment of settlements along Highway 25, given their importance in changing the face of the central Negev region. I am full of appreciation for all partners in the sacred task of building the land: the Ministries of Housing, Interior, Finance, Justice, the Planning Administration, and the Settlement Division, all of them. All have mobilized with all their might to advance this important national goal.
Together, we are building a defensive wall of settlement, also in the Negev.”
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