Jerusalem, 1 January, 2026 (TPS-IL) — As part of the “Connecting Israel” vision to strengthen transportation connectivity between the Be’er Sheva metropolitan area and the center of the country. Within this framework, an additional Budget of 145 million Shekels ($45 million) was approved to promote the high-speed rail in the section between Kfar Menachem and Be’er Sheva, which joins the approval of the establishment of the high-speed line from Ben Gurion Airport. The total budget for the project now stands at approximately 155 million Shekels ($48 million).
The project includes the construction of two new high-speed rails, which will be operated alongside the two existing rails, and will in the future allow travel at speeds of up to 250 km/h.
This Transportation Ministry said the move is expected to “significantly shorten” travel times between Be’er Sheva and Tel Aviv and make the train the preferred and fastest alternative for road users, while reducing congestion on the main thoroughfares.