The First Settlers’ Quarter will include approximately 6,000 housing units, alongside commercial and employment areas, public buildings, educational institutions, urban infrastructure, open public spaces, and green lungs. The plan creates a complete planning framework from which building permits can be issued, and constitutes a real transition from the planning stage to the execution stage.
The planning led by the Ministry of Construction and housing is based on mixed-use, continuous construction, and quality public space, with shaded streets, paths for pedestrians and cyclists, connection to urban and intercity public transportation, management of runoff water, development of infrastructure for renewable energy, and adaptation to the desert climate. Building rights, design and development instructions, conditions for the licensing process, and execution stages have been determined, with the aim of ensuring the gradual and responsible establishment of the quarter and the entire city.
The city of Menora is expected to cover a total area of approximately 7,200 dunams and to develop in further stages beyond the First Settlers’ Quarter. The city was planned as a complete residential area including education, health, and welfare systems, employment centers, and full public services, as part of an overall vision led by the Ministry of Construction and Housing for shaping the future of the Negev.
Director General of the Ministry of Construction and Housing, Yehuda Morgenstern:
“This is an exciting day of celebration, great news for the South and the Negev. The publication of the deposit of the First Settlers’ Quarter is the result of continuous professional work that has lasted for years, in-depth planning, and cooperation between many government entities. This is a significant step in realizing a strategic vision for the development of the Negev, strengthening settlement, and expanding the housing supply in a planned and responsible manner.”
Chief Architect at the Ministry of Construction and Housing, Timur Megreli:
“This is a large-scale planning move that has been built over years, with an overall view of advanced urbanism and full adaptation to the desert climate. The quarter was planned to create a quality, walkable, and shaded public space, with a proper integration of housing, employment, and community services, and to lay a solid planning foundation for the entire city for many years to come.”
The move is expected to strengthen the Eastern Negev cluster, including Arad, Dimona, and Yeruham, and to contribute to the economic and social development of the entire region.