Finance Minister Blocks Light Rail Funding in Negev Despite PM Netanyahu’s Approval

The Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich is actively obstructing the government-approved plan to build a light rail line connecting Beersheba to the new military intelligence base in the Negev. This project is part of a broader strategic initiative to relocate key Israel Defense Forces units to the south, originally announced in 2003 during Ariel Sharon’s government. The light rail is intended to provide fast, modern transportation for thousands of soldiers and residents, supporting both economic and security goals.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu authorized the light rail project in May 2026 after a thorough review by a dedicated professional team, rejecting the Finance Ministry’s alternative proposal for a bus rapid transit system. Netanyahu emphasized the importance of the rail line for the Negev’s development and the operational readiness of military personnel. However, Smotrich has withheld the necessary budget, attempting to derail the project through bureaucratic means despite government decisions, including resolutions 625 and 3474, which explicitly support the Negev’s development and Beersheba’s metropolitan growth.

Critics highlight a double standard in Smotrich’s budget priorities, noting his generous funding for settlements in Judea and Samaria while denying critical infrastructure investments in the Negev. The delay threatens to increase transportation chaos, extend travel times for soldiers, and undermine the region’s economic and strategic potential. The article calls on Netanyahu to uphold his decision, release the funds immediately, and resist Smotrich’s attempts to undermine the project, especially as the government faces electoral scrutiny. The light rail is framed as essential to fulfilling the Zionist vision of the Negev as a vital national asset.