Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu on Sunday 26 Teves 5774 asked the cabinet to approve a 166 NIS million plan for economic benefits for Sderot and the area adjacent to Gaza. The goal of the plan is to strengthen residents, local authorities and the regional economy in light of the security situation and the difficulties regarding daily life.

The 2014 plan includes a series of benefits for residents of the area: Tax benefits, local property tax benefits, exemptions from leasing fees, daycare benefits, investments in infrastructures and local authorities, benefits for industry, agriculture, trade and employment, and expanded medical and social welfare services.

Among the benefits are: 20% tax credits, a 30% discount in local property taxes on residences, subsidized daycare, economic assistance to local authorities (8 NIS million for the Sderot municipality and 5 NIS million for regional councils), an employment track for the absorption of new workers in the area, a 24% discount in local property taxes for industry, trade and services, a 15% preference in the allocation of foreign workers for agriculture, subsidies for new dairy farms and exemptions from Israel Land Authority leasing fees.

Psychological and social services for those suffering from shock – especially children – will be expanded at five local centers. Assistance will be provided for the operation of emergency medical units in the form of increased mobile intensive care units, the operation of night switchboards and bolstering the mental health center in Sderot.

It should be noted that the government has made similar decisions in each of the last four years, at an overall investment of approximately 950 million NIS.

The plan was formulated by the socio-economic team chaired by Prime Minister’s Office Director General Harel Locker and which included representatives from the Finance, Interior, Negev and Galilee Development, Health, Economy, Social Welfare and Social Services, National Infrastructures, Energy and Water, Agriculture and Rural Development, and Construction and Housing Ministries.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)