A rooftop agreement was signed between the Ministry of Construction and Housing, the Ministry of Finance, and the Sakhnin Municipality, to promote comprehensive development in the city, including the addition of approximately 4,660 new housing units on state land, alongside commercial and employment areas.
The rooftop agreement is expected to significantly increase the city’s population, which currently stands at about 34,000 residents, and lead to its growth to over 55,000 residents. The agreement represents a strategic move for Sakhnin’s development, expanding housing supply and strengthening local authorities, while connecting new neighborhoods to the upgrade of the existing fabric.
As part of the agreement, dedicated budgets totaling approximately 1.5 billion shekels will be allocated for development work in the city, of which about 1.2 billion Shekels are for the development of new complexes by the Ministry of Construction and Housing. In addition, about 220 million Shekels will be allocated for infrastructure, including upgrading existing infrastructure that serves the new neighborhoods, about 230 million shekels for the establishment of public institutions in the new neighborhoods and for upgrading institutions in the old neighborhoods, and about 75 million shekels for upgrading infrastructure throughout the old city as part of the “old versus new” initiative.
As part of the agreement, a unique cooperation framework was developed between the Ministry of Construction and Housing and the Sakhnin Municipality, which includes professional accompaniment, organizational development, and preparation for the absorption of new residents, with the aim of ensuring balanced and planned growth of the city.
Minister of Construction and Housing, Yitzhak Goldknopf: “The rooftop agreement in Sakhnin will increase housing supply and address local demand alongside planning that allows for significant growth. Increasing supply alongside infrastructure upgrades and the addition of commercial areas will strengthen the city’s economy and the well-being of residents.”
Mayor of Sakhnin, Mazen Ghanayem: “Today is a festive day for the city of Sakhnin. Signing the rooftop agreement is the key that opens the door to unprecedented growth and a transition from point planning to comprehensive, long-term, and well-planned strategic planning. The agreement provides hope and a future of quality of life and growth for our children and future generations, and represents a significant expression of confidence in the joint path of government ministries and the Sakhnin Municipality. I thank the Ministry of Construction and Housing for leading this initiative, and the entire ministry team for their partnership, accompaniment, and commitment to advancing the city of Sakhnin.”
Director General of the Ministry of Construction and Housing, Yehuda Morgenstern: “The rooftop agreement in Sakhnin reflects a comprehensive approach to urban development. Alongside a significant addition of housing units, the agreement includes extensive investment in infrastructure, public institutions, and the upgrade of the existing fabric, as well as professional accompaniment of the local authority in the growth process. This is a move that connects planning, execution, and the absorption of a new population.”