Knesset Unites to Advance New International Airport in Southern Israel

The Knesset’s Economic Affairs Committee, chaired by MK David Bitan, today (Monday) approved for second and third readings a historic bill to establish a new international airport in Nevatim. The proposal received rare cross-party support and cooperation among MKs from across the political spectrum.

The bill is a merger of two proposals—one from MK Almog Cohen (Otzma Yehudit) and the other from MK Ram Ben Barak (Yesh Atid)—along with a similar initiative from MK Naama Lazimi (Labor), all consolidated into a single agreed-upon proposal.

The New Airport to be Built in Southern Israel

According to the bill, the new airport will be constructed near the existing military airfield in Nevatim and will serve both international and domestic flights. The law stipulates that a detailed plan must be submitted for government approval within one year and four months, and that the airport must be fully operational no later than seven years from now.

“We want the planning and execution to be completed as quickly as possible,” said Committee Chair David Bitan. MK Almog Cohen declared, “Enough with the games—the airport will be built in Nevatim,” while MK Ram Ben Barak added, “The Ministry of Transport and Road Safety must not bow to pressure from the Ministry of Defense.”

Goal: Relieving Pressure from Ben Gurion Airport

The law grants the Minister of Transportation the authority to designate the location of the new airport by decree, define it as an international airport, and coordinate the necessary regulations for its operation, subject to approval by the Economic Affairs Committee.

Beyond the national importance of easing congestion at Ben Gurion Airport, this move is expected to bring a dramatic shift to the economy of southern Israel: thousands of new jobs, improved public transportation, strengthened communities, increased investment, and a significant step forward for residents of the Negev—and for the entire State of Israel.