# Government Approves Airport Plan in the Negev
## Urgent Need Recognized Since 2011
The Israeli government has acknowledged the urgent need for a supplementary international airport to Ben Gurion Airport (BGU). This recognition dates back to 2011 and has been a topic of ongoing debate.
## Announcement of New Airport Location
On Sunday, the government is expected to formally approve the construction of a new international airport in Tzchalog, located between Netivot and Rahat. This announcement follows a joint statement from the Prime Minister's Offstart, the Ministry of Transport, and the Ministry of Finance.
## Meeting Details
The decision resulted from a meeting that included Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Transportation Minister Miri Regev, Deputy Minister Almog Cohen, and senior officials from relevant ministries. The primary aim of the new airport is to accommodate the increasing number of travelers to and from Israel while promoting economic development in the Negev region and creating thousands of jobs.
## Security and Political Considerations
However, the location of the airport, which is about seven kilometers from an area from which Hamas launched attacks on October 7, poses significant security concerns. Discussions in July revealed changes in security conditions, purportedly enabling the advancement of airport plans in the area, which had previously been dismissed due to its proximity to the Gaza Strip.
## Concerns from Experts
Some experts have raised concerns regarding the viability of the new airport, recalling failures associated with Ramon Airport. Eight years ago, planning officials determined that flight routes from the proposed airport would overlap with those of Ben Gurion Airport and the Israeli Air Force operations threatening to increase congestion at BGU.
## Political Motivations
Industry sources suggest that the push for the new airport is driven by political motivations, particularly from Minister Regev and Knesset member Cohen, who seem determined to establish a facility in the Negev regardless of professional assessments. This inclination is likely tied to political interests aligning with local leaders affiliated with the Likud party.
## Conclusion
Amid various economic and security implications, the government's approval for the establishment of the Tzchalog airport marks a significant development in Israel's transportation infrastructure. The outcome will be closely monitored by both supporters and critics as plans move forward.
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