In a special meeting of the Israel Land Authority Council, a dramatic decision was made aimed at bringing life and vitality back to the “recovery region” communities, which were severely affected by the October 7-Day Attack and the War of Recovery. The move approves a broad policy change in the allocation of plots for ground-level housing and gives almost unprecedented priority to locals and active reservists.
According to the decision, in rural communities within the recovery region, up to 60% of plots will be allocated to locals; in moshavim (cooperative agricultural villages), the rate can reach up to 85%. Additionally, active reservists and combatants will receive significant priority in receiving expansion plots. The decision will be added to the Israel Land Authority Council's decision file after the Finance Minister's signature and will remain in effect until December 31, 2028.
The new policy is designed to encourage families to return to evacuated communities, strengthen the social fabric, and generate rapid and organized demographic growth-a move considered essential for the overall rehabilitation of the recovery region. The state is already promoting infrastructure, economic development, and employment in the area, and the new decision adds another significant layer to the foundations of the revitalized recovery region. The goal is clear: not only to return to what was, but to grow stronger than ever.
"Priority for Locals and the Fighters Who Defended the Gaza Envelope"
The Construction and Housing Minister, Chaim Katz, explains that the move came at the request of the communities themselves: "We implemented a correction that gives priority to locals and their families, while continuing to prioritize combatants and reservists. We will continue to enable optimal rehabilitation and strengthen settlement in the Gaza Envelope."
Yanky Quint, Director of the Israel Land Authority, emphasizes that this is more than just targeted aid: "The goal is not only rehabilitation, but to turn the recovery region into a more prosperous and flourishing area than before. Giving priority to reservists is the right, ethical, and strategic step."
Aviad Friedman, Head of the Recovery Administration, defines the decision as groundbreaking: "Prioritizing locals and reservists is a move that allows communities to grow and stabilize again. This is national leadership committed to rehabilitation and securing the future."