Israel’s Prime Minister’s Office and Finance Ministry have agreed on a five-year budget plan aimed at establishing Beer Sheva as a thriving metropolis, the PMO announced on Thursday. According to the PMO, the initiative comes as part of a broader strategy to revitalize the Negev.

The cornerstone of the development plan is the relocation of key Israel Defense Forces units to the Negev, scheduled to commence in late 2025. The move is expected to serve as a catalyst for significant economic and demographic growth in the area, the PMO stated.

The comprehensive plan, set to be submitted for government approval by year’s end, addresses critical infrastructure needs, including transportation, housing, employment and economic development. High-speed rail lines, a light-rail system and long-term rental housing solutions are among the key projects slated for implementation.

“This is a significant step that will enable us to face the challenges ahead, including the IDF’s relocation to the south,” said Beer Sheva Mayor Rubik Danilovich. “We all understand that the Negev is the solution for the State of Israel. Now is the time to make dramatic decisions that will shape the country’s future and establish Beer Sheva as Israel’s leading metropolis. This is a national mission and a national interest!”

Beer Sheva’s city engineer, Tamar Poria Adar, warned that the Negev would lose its Jewish majority within about 20 years unless decisive action is taken. This demographic shift, according to local leaders, is a direct consequence of years of neglect and insufficient investment in the region.

Many residents of the south, while cautiously optimistic, remain wary. Yehuda Benano, chairman of the “Residents for the Negev” organization, responded, “The plans are ready in the drawer, and now is the time to act to ensure a Jewish majority that will live securely, prosperously and healthily, just like the residents of central Israel.”

One concrete move in this direction, according to Health Minister Uriel Boss, is the recent approval for a second hospital in Beer Sheva, set to open by 2028 with approximately 600 beds.

“We are advancing another step in realizing the vision to reduce the gaps between the periphery and the center, and to provide equal rights to advanced health services for every citizen in the State of Israel, regardless of their place of residence, community affiliation, or economic situation,” Bosso said in a statement.