Religious Zionism Party Plans Major Development in Arab Towns

The Religious Zionism party is set to unveil a comprehensive plan aimed at strengthening the Negev and Galilee regions, with a revolutionary focus on developing existing Arab towns. Unlike previous initiatives concentrating on new Jewish settlements, this plan prioritizes significant urban and infrastructural development within Arab communities.

The core of the proposal involves permitting multi-story construction in Arab towns for the first time, a departure from the current low-rise building norms. This change is intended to increase population density within existing municipal boundaries, accommodating thousands of new families and curbing urban sprawl into open areas. The plan also includes substantial investment in public amenities such as parks, community centers, sports facilities, cultural halls, and swimming pools.

Furthermore, the initiative proposes establishing academic colleges within these Arab towns. Minister of Settlement and National Missions, Orit Strock, stated the goal is to enable Arab residents to live in "normal cities" with full access to services, education, and employment, similar to other Israeli cities. This move is also seen as a way to reduce the migration of Arab citizens to nearby Jewish towns seeking better quality of life and services, a trend that has led to cities like Safed and Nof HaGalil becoming mixed.

Party officials believe that by providing higher education institutions locally, young Arabs will be less inclined to study in places like East Jerusalem or Arab countries, where they might be exposed to anti-Israel sentiments and radicalization. The Religious Zionism party intends to implement this plan as part of its broader demands to control the Planning Administration and the Israel Land Authority.