Netanyahu Proposes New Airports to Boost Israel’s Development
Southern Airport at Ziklag to Spur Growth
On Sunday, 15 February 2026, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced plans to establish a complementary airport to Ben Gurion Airport in the south, at Ziklag. Speaking at the start of the government meeting, Netanyahu described the airport as a major catalyst for developing the Negev, creating jobs, improving accessibility, and promoting tourism.
He emphasized that the airport would be supported by infrastructure projects, including roads, trains, and ancillary businesses, noting that similar projects have driven growth worldwide and in Israel. “This initiative reflects our vision to develop and settle the Negev while addressing the country’s peripheral regions,” he said. Netanyahu highlighted the combination of government infrastructure and private initiative as key to the project’s success.
Northern Airport at Ramat David to Meet Demand
Netanyahu also announced plans to advance an additional airport in the north at Ramat David. He stated that these airports are essential to accommodate rising tourist numbers and the growing volume of Israeli citizens traveling abroad. “Only by developing both airports in parallel can we meet the increasing air traffic and provide real growth catalysts for the north and south,” Netanyahu said.
He thanked Minister Miri Regev, Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, and Almog Cohen for their efforts in advancing the project. Netanyahu instructed officials to expedite the development of Ziklag to ensure it catches up with the northern airport, highlighting the relocation of IDF bases and other infrastructure improvements as part of the broader plan.
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