New plan for eastern Negev 'practical Zionism,' Smotrich says

(JNS) — The Israel’s Cabinet is set to approve next week a $31.8 million budget to strengthen the eastern Negev cities of Arad, Dimona, Yeruham and Mitzpe Ramon, the Prime Minister’s Office and Finance Ministry announced in a joint statement on Thursday.

The decision is to be green-lit in a special session in Dimona on Dec. 14, as part of a national plan to encourage demographic growth and sustainable economic development in Israel’s south, the statement read.

The budget planned for 2026 involves investment in infrastructure, personal security, environment, transportation, innovation and energ...