Gadi Eizenkot Unveils $4.5 Billion Plan to Rebuild Northern Israel by 2030
Gadi Eizenkot, chairman of the Yisrael! party, is set to announce a comprehensive 15 billion shekel (approximately $4.5 billion) plan aimed at rehabilitating northern Israel. The initiative allocates six billion shekels to upgrading the region's defense infrastructure, including accelerating the completion of protective systems from 2035 to 2030, with ground-level shelters within 1-5 kilometers to be finished by the end of 2028 and those within 5-9 kilometers by the end of 2029. The remaining nine billion shekels will be invested across various sectors such as industry, agriculture, education, health, and tourism.
The project was developed by Shaul Meridor, former head of the Budget Department at the Finance Ministry and a candidate on Eizenkot’s party list. Meridor emphasized the plan’s realism, noting extensive consultations with local leaders, business owners, farmers, and educators. He highlighted that the plan is funded by reallocating coalition funds and cutting budgets from entities refusing to participate in the national draft law.
In terms of security and governance, the plan includes establishing a regional enforcement unit led by a police commander with 300 officers to combat serious crime. On education, it promises an annual investment increase to 7,000 shekels per child for five years, creation of regional excellence centers in Kiryat Shmona and Nahariya, and a significant boost in informal education funding.
Special attention is given to Kiryat Shmona, which suffered severe damage from Hezbollah rocket attacks after October 7. The plan aims to reinforce its status as the capital of the Eastern Galilee, promote urban renewal, and attract young families and residents nationwide.
Eizenkot stated that the next government will be judged by tangible results in the north, including restored security, completed protective infrastructure, returning families, reopened businesses, rebuilt infrastructure, and renewed public trust. Meridor acknowledged a loss of faith in the state among northern residents and stressed the plan’s commitment to reversing this trend.
