Knesset approves plans for airport to boost Negev economy
- A Knesset committee approved plans for a new international airport near Beersheva.
- The airport aims to handle 15 million passengers annually and create about 50,000 jobs.
- The project is vital for the economic development of the Negev region, though its feasibility has been questioned.
In Israel, a Knesset committee meeting on a Sunday led to the approval of plans for a new international airport aimed at economic development in the Negev region. This initiative, which is expected to receive final approval from the parliament’s full plenum soon, is intended to stimulate growth and create jobs in southern Israel. Located near Moshav Nevatim, just five miles southeast of Beersheva, the airport is designed to handle up to 15 million passengers annually and is projected to generate around 50,000 jobs, as stated in the bill's explanatory remarks. Knesset member Ram Ben-Barak, a member of the opposition Yesh Atid Party, emphasized the importance of the airport from both a national perspective and for future planning when supporting the bill. Co-sponsor MK Almog Cohen of the Otzma Yehudit Party expressed commitment to ensure the airport's successful completion, specifying that this project is a national priority. Support for the initiative is widespread, eliciting remarks from Dimona Mayor Benny Biton, who sees it as a turning point for the Negev, a region that has faced numerous unfulfilled promises over the years. Despite the political backing, concerns regarding the feasibility of the airport's location have been raised by travel experts. Mark Feldman, Jerusalem director of Diesenhaus Tours, commented skeptically about the attractiveness of Beersheva as a destination for international tourists, questioning how appealing it will be for visitors to travel from the city to more populated areas like Jerusalem or Tel Aviv. This skepticism also indicates potential challenges in marketing the airport to international travelers. The proposed airport is to be built adjacent to the Nevatim Air Force base, home to F-35 fighter jets. In light of recent tensions in the region, including threats from Iran, there is added significance to the airport's location. The new facility aims to alleviate congestion at Ben-Gurion International Airport near Tel Aviv, which is currently Israel's main international gateway, handling around 24 million passengers in its peak year of 2019. The launches of other airports like Ramon Airport near Eilat have shown varied success, emphasizing the necessity for careful planning and market consideration for this crucial infrastructure project.