KKL-JNF Approves $93 Million Package To Rebuild Northern Israel

KKL-JNF has approved a 273 million shekel, about $93 million, development package for northern Israel, directing major new funding toward border communities damaged and disrupted during the war with Iranian-backed Hezbollah in Lebanon.

The allocation is one of the largest northern Israel packages approved by Keren Kayemeth LeIsrael-Jewish National Fund during the war. It is intended to support infrastructure rehabilitation, emergency access roads, housing, public buildings and community development across the confrontation line and the Golan Heights.

Of the total package, 145 million shekels, about $49.7 million, will go toward towns along the northern border. That includes 115 million shekels, about $39.4 million, for rehabilitation and infrastructure development in 11 communities adjacent to Lebanon: Misgav Am, Malkia, Margaliot, Kfar Yuval, Dovev, Avivim, Shtula, Zar’it, Hanita, Adamit and Arab al-Aramshe.

Another 20 million shekels, about $6.9 million, will be used to upgrade and develop security roads in coordination with Israel’s Defense Ministry. The roads are intended for use during emergencies and military activity.

KKL-JNF also approved 10 million shekels, about $3.4 million, for the renovation of the amphitheater at the Ghetto Fighters’ House Museum in the Western Galilee. The organization said the project is meant to create a significant regional center for culture and leisure.

A separate 128.5 million shekel package, about $44 million, was approved for the Golan Heights. Under the plan, 70 million shekels, about $23.9 million, will support projects led by the Golan Regional Council, including agricultural training programs, the development of new rural communities and the construction of public buildings.

In Katzrin, 45 million shekels, about $15.4 million, will be used for projects including the establishment of a KKL-JNF House of Excellence, environmental development works and the renovation of public parks. Another 13.5 million shekels, about $4.6 million, will be allocated for residential housing units in Katzrin for volunteer groups and graduates of pre-military preparatory academies.

“Our commitment at KKL-JNF to the development of the north is receiving another practical expression today as part of a series of steps that reflect a clear strategy,” KKL-JNF Chairman Eyal Ostrinsky said.

“The north has long ceased to be a local story and has become a national issue of the highest order, and we at KKL-JNF are taking responsibility and standing by the authorities and communities there,” he added.

Ostrinsky said the decisions would serve as “an anchor of growth and development, of settlement and Zionist fulfillment,” adding that KKL-JNF was proud to stand with confrontation-line communities and the Golan “in this time of need.”

The new KKL-JNF funding is expected to advance rebuilding projects across the north as Israeli communities along the Lebanon border continue working to restore daily life after months of war and displacement.