Religious Zionism Party Sets Ambitious Goal of One Million Jews in Negev and Galilee
The Religious Zionism party, led by Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, unveiled a comprehensive plan titled "Yes. We Will Judeanize!" aiming to increase the Jewish population in Israel's Negev and Galilee regions by one million. The initiative includes establishing 40 new communities, expanding existing settlements, creating dozens of farms, and developing hundreds of thousands of housing units.
The party intends to push for control over the Planning Administration and Israel Land Authority in the next government to facilitate changes in land and planning policies. Proposed measures include legislative reforms, removing bureaucratic obstacles, shortening planning and marketing procedures, and appointing professionals with Zionist-nationalist perspectives to key positions.
Incentives will target reservists, active soldiers, doctors, educators, and technology professionals to encourage relocation to these peripheral areas. The plan also emphasizes expanding industrial and employment zones and investing heavily in transportation, education, healthcare, and infrastructure.
Security and governance aspects involve combating illegal weapons possession, fighting organized crime, enforcing laws against unauthorized construction, and reclaiming state lands. Smotrich stated, "We set a clear goal: one million additional Jews in the Negev and Galilee. We will establish 40 new communities, dozens of farms, expand existing settlements, and create hundreds of thousands of housing solutions."
