Cabinet Approves NIS 360M Plan for Eilat and Hevel Eilot

The cabinet approved Sunday a five-year, roughly NIS 360 million development plan for Eilat and the Hevel Eilot Regional Council, led by the Prime Minister's Office with about 20 government ministries. The plan funds public transportation and Ramon Airport upgrades, healthcare and Yoseftal Medical Center improvements, tourism infrastructure, employment engines, education and an advanced emergency warning center. Netanyahu called Eilat and Hevel Eilot Israel's southern pearl, praising residents who hosted tens of thousands of evacuees after October 7 while absorbing Houthi missile and drone fire. The decision treats a strong Eilat as a national interest and a southern gate for Israel's economy, security and tourism.