In an effort to exhibit solidarity with residents of the Negev, Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu on Sunday decided to hold the weekly cabinet meeting in Beersheva, the capital of the Negev. The meeting was held in Beersheva City Hall.

The meeting included hearing updates on efforts to develop and further advance the Negev, including a report from Minister of Negev & Galil Development Silvan Shalom.

Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu used the forum to call on PA (Palestinian Authority) Chairman Abu Mazen to meet with him in Beersheva 30 years after the historic meeting between Anwar Sadat and Menachem Begin, which took place in May 1979.

The prime minister stated it was not simply coincidence that the first cabinet meeting following his first 100 days in office was being held in the Negev capital, urging Arab nations to meet with him to advance regional projects and to attract global investors. He spoke of plans to continue developing the Negev, including train lines to Eilat and many other projects.

He cited some of his administration’s moves, including the easing of restrictions for PA residents and the round-the-clock operation of the Allenby Crossing to Jordan. The prime minister called on the PA leader to meet with him in Beersheva or anywhere in Israel, as we mark 30 years since the meeting that resulted in a peace treaty with Egypt.

(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)