Northern Israel Defense Project Expands to Include Communities Within 9km of Lebanon Border

An expanded "Shield of the North" project is launching to enhance defense for communities in northern Israel. Following a government decision, the project will now cover settlements located up to 9 kilometers from the Lebanese border. Residents in eligible areas will be able to apply for grants starting next week, on September 15, 2026.

Under the self-implementation track, eligible homeowners can receive a grant of up to 182,000 shekels to build a reinforced safe room in their homes. This initiative stems from a government resolution made in early June to extend private protection projects to front-line communities near the Lebanese border.

The decision also encompasses the protection of densely populated housing. This will be managed centrally by the Ministry of Construction and Housing and the Urban Renewal Authority, covering approximately 11,000 housing units with a budget of about 4.2 billion shekels.

This move complements significant government investment in northern defense, which includes completing protection work in over 335 educational institutions, installing an additional 1,600 protected shelters, and renovating more than 600 public bomb shelters.