The Israeli Cabinet on Sunday approved a 1 billion shekel ($307 million) development plan for Beersheva, the Prime Minister’s Office announced, seeking to promote economic growth in the capital of the Negev.

The proposal, which was led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, focuses on economic growth, transportation infrastructure, quality of life and personal security, and education and human capital.

The project envisions the construction of a light rail system connecting the city with the suburbs and newly relocated IDF bases in the Negev, the opening of a branch of the Wingate Institute for Physical Education and Sports in the city, and an increase in the number of psychologists and medical professionals.

“Today’s decision simply adds another layer to the vision that I have been leading for a long time, which is to abolish the periphery,” Netanyahu said, urging young people to move to the region. “Most of the territory of the State of Israel is in the south. In the south there is one metropolitan center, and that is Beersheva. Around Beersheva, the entire Negev is developing.”