Expansion Plans for Beit Shemesh Threaten Surrounding Forests, KKL Proposes Alternative

The forests, nature reserves, and open spaces in Israel are rapidly disappearing, with the housing crisis often cited as justification for development that overlooks long-term environmental impacts. The Jerusalem District Committee is set to review a Housing Ministry plan to expand Beit Shemesh by developing approximately 980 dunams east of Road 10. This includes about 270 dunams in neighborhood V'2, 320 dunams in V'3, 230 dunams in neighborhood H, and a 160-dunam development strip along the road. If approved, the city could grow to 111,474 housing units and around 569,669 residents.

However, these lands are classified by the Jewish National Fund (KKL) as high-value green areas. In response, KKL and Urbanix have proposed an alternative plan that excludes the neighborhoods east of Road 10, still allowing Beit Shemesh to exceed 550,000 residents without encroaching on forest and open spaces. KKL disputes the Housing Ministry’s claim that a future light rail along the road justifies building on both sides, arguing that adding 3,000 housing units and commercial areas does not warrant such infrastructure and would harm the Sorek Stream, one of Israel’s largest.

KKL emphasizes it supports Beit Shemesh’s growth but advocates for sustainable development that preserves nature. They cite the recent approval of plans for Modiin Forest and National Park, which protect 31,000 dunams of open space while strengthening ecological corridors. KKL planning director Adi Noy contrasts Modiin’s compact urban approach, which values forests as assets, with Beit Shemesh’s reliance on the Housing Ministry’s focus on quantity over quality of life.

KKL’s Anat Gold notes a lack of local leadership in Beit Shemesh willing to collaborate on balanced planning. Nature Protection Society planner Matan Nahum supports KKL’s alternative, highlighting that Beit Shemesh currently sprawls inefficiently and that the proposal preserves surrounding nature while improving urban life. KKL chairman Eyal Oferinsky warns that once forest land is built upon, it is lost forever, stressing the forests east of Beit Shemesh are vital for recreation, climate resilience, and residents’ health.

Oferinsky also announced plans to push for sanctions against municipalities that promote construction on open spaces against KKL’s opposition, potentially withholding strategic project funding. The Housing Ministry stated it aims to minimize environmental harm and continue development in cooperation with relevant parties. Beit Shemesh municipality said it seeks to maximize development within existing urban areas while balancing growth with nature preservation.