Merage Foundation Israel Comments on Reviving Israel’s Economy

An F-35i Adir jet in Nevatim base, southeast of Beersheba (photo credit: IDF)

Nicole Hod Stroh, Executive Director of Merage Foundation Israel, was featured in The Jerusalem Post on how to revive Israel’s economy. According to Hod Stroh, the southern part of Israel, also known as the Negev, is the key to elevating Israel’s economy.

There is no better example of a long-term, high-impact investment than the establishment of a second international airport in Nevatim in the Negev. The Negev, which makes up 60% of Israel’s territory, is Israel’s “land of opportunity.” The discussion on the establishment of a second international airport is more important and relevant today than ever.

Nicole Hod Stroh, Executive Director of Merage Foundation Israel

The establishment of this airport would lead to economic growth and prosperity by creating quality jobs and infrastructure, and increasing international tourism in the area. Luckily, the infrastructure is already in place due to a huge government investment and plenty of land reserved for such a project. The Nevatim Airport requires minimal investment in comparison to other alternatives and has the necessary space for future expansion if required in decades to come, ultimately making the capacity for more than 20 million passengers a year.

There is no doubt that the Nevatim Airport can become one of the important engines of economic recovery and growth during this unprecedented challenging period. Decision-makers must consider all national, demographic, economic and employment implications and put them to the test in the face of the veto arguments of the Defense Ministry and the Israel Air Force.

Nicole Hod Stroh, Executive Director of Merage Foundation Israel