Development plans Negev

blueprint negev mobile homes, 2009

blueprint negev jewish national fund project introduced in 2005. $600 million project hopes continue israel s past environmental successes in making desert bloom , attract 500,000 new jewish residents negev improving transportation infrastructure, establishing businesses, developing water resources , introducing programs protect environment. planned artificial desert river, swimming pools , golf courses raised concerns among environmentalists. critics oppose plans, calling instead inclusive plan green vitalization of existing population centers, investment in bedouin villages, clean-up of toxic industries , development of job options unemployed.

a major israel defense forces training base being constructed in negev accommodate 10,000 army personnel , 2,500 civilian staff. 3 more bases built 2020 part of plan vacate land , buildings in tel aviv , central israel, , bring jobs , investment south.