The Energy and Infrastructure Ministry, together with the “Tnufa Letzafon,” the Israeli government’s directorate for the rehabilitation of the North, announced today (Sunday) a major investment of roughly ₪70 million (~$19M) in energy projects for communities along the confrontation line. The move is part of a broader national investment package for the Northern Development Zone totaling ₪13.3 billion (~$3.6B), including a multi-year plan recently approved by the government.
According to the ministry, the investment is designed to strengthen the resilience of local authorities and enable them to absorb new populations, based on the concept that an economically strong community that functions continuously even during emergencies is one that families choose to stay in. The ministry said the initiative focuses on strengthening energy security and ensuring operational continuity during crises.
Energy and Infrastructure Minister Eli Cohen said, “This is an important step that will help rehabilitate the North. We salute the residents of the North for their steadfast resilience, and are investing significant budgets in energy infrastructure that will improve energy supply in routine times and emergencies, contribute to economic development in the region, increase local authorities’ investment in residents’ welfare, and improve quality of life in the North.”
Minister for Rehabilitation of the South and North Zeev Elkin said: “Just last week we finished passing the five-year plan through the government, and we’re already turning the document into policy and investments felt on the ground. Investment in energy infrastructure is a double investment—both in strengthening resilience and operational continuity of communities during emergencies, and in creating economic growth engines for years ahead.”
Aviad Friedman, head of the Northern Development Authority, said: “I’m a great believer that the way to strengthen a community is to create its own revenue sources. An energy project generates steady annual income and serves as a growth lever that gives communities managerial independence and the ability to shape their own future.”