Major Aid Package Announced for Galilee Core Cities

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced a major aid package for northern core cities at a special government meeting held in Nof HaGalil on Thursday. Netanyahu stressed that the joint effort would restore security and bring prosperity to the region, similar to what was done in the south after the events of October 7.

“In a joint effort, we are bringing a huge package to the core cities, Nof HaGalil, Acre, Karmiel, Safed, Afula, Nazareth and Tiberias. What we did in the south, we will do in the north, that is our vision,” Netanyahu said.

He added that Israel is in a constant struggle in the Galilee, and that security is the top priority, referring to the fighting against Hezbollah and the killing of hundreds of terrorists every week. Netanyahu also addressed the drone challenge in the north and promised that the government is working to solve it. He noted that many did not believe the south would return to prosperity, but today the huge demand for apartments and settlement in the area can be seen, higher than it was before October 7.

“What we did in the south, we will do in the north. These are not exactly the same challenges, they are somewhat different challenges, but the result will be the same,” he said.

The package includes assistance for infrastructure and prosperity, after about 20 billion shekels were already granted to communities within up to nine kilometers of the border, and an additional 1 billion shekels to the Golan Heights. Netanyahu stressed that this is a “huge boost” that will give momentum and development to the core cities, and that it is a “sacred national mission.”

The prime minister said the government will promote massive urban renewal in the fields of business, transportation, infrastructure, health and education, and that it wants to give local authority leaders the tools needed to maximize the use of resources. “I love the Galilee. It is an integral part of our homeland. It is a part we must preserve and a part we must develop,” Netanyahu concluded.