Negev

Ran Gvili's funeral procession in pictures: Last hostage heads to final rest as crowds line streets

The day that St.-Sgt.-Maj. Ran Gvili received his proper funeral in Israel, more than two years after the October 7 massacre.

 Israeli Police and IDF solodiers in line to pay their respects as the funeral procession of St.-Sgt.-Maj. Ran Gvili, the last hostage from Gaza, makes its way to Gvili's Negev hometown of Meitar on Jan. 28, 2026.
HUNDREDS OF packets of cigarettes being smuggled.

Smugglers caught with one million shekels' worth of goods, possibly meant for Gaza Strip

King Store’s Nof Hagalil branch

King Store expands and opens its 29th branch in the Idan Hanegev industrial zone

Posters of Ran Gvili, whose body is still being held captive by Hamas in Gaza, seen at Hostage Square in Tel Aviv. December 02, 2025.

Israel intends to name new Negev town after slain hostage Ran Gvili, Netanyahu announces


'Inflaming tensions': Bedouin mayor slams Ben-Gvir's unauthorized visit after meeting cancellation

The visit follows weeks of sharp clashes between the two and criticism Ben-Gvir faced during his previous trip to the town.

National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir confronts the families of the hostages. October 27, 2025.

How one Canadian donor is turning the Negev into Israel’s AI capital

“We are building a laboratory for the future, a world-class center of excellence that will shape the next generation of Israeli technology leaders,” said BGU president.

Canadian tech investor and philanthropist David Stein.

Wadi Attir shows how infrastructure can transform Negev's Bedouin communities - opinion

The future of the Negev will not be decided in ideological debates, but through action on the ground.

 Wadi Attir in the Negev, aims to promote sustainable agriculture among Israel's Bedouin community, January 28, 2025.

Stopping the brain drain: Cyber can change the face of the Negev - opinion

The time has come to make real investments in higher education in the field of cybersecurity in southern Israel.

After two years of war, Israel’s defense technology sector, which was tested and refined during the conflict, is emerging stronger and more relevant than ever.

Israel must advance Jewish-Arab relations in Negev, rebuild Bedouin communities - opinion

The diversity of the Negev is a blessing, but only if every community is able to thrive together.

THE FUNERAL of Hamza Ziyadne takes place in Rahat last January after he was taken hostage on October 7, 2023, and his body was found by the IDF in a Gaza tunnel. Negev Bedouin have been deeply harmed by the wars with Hamas and Iran, says the writer.

Bedouin high school in the Negev opens new campus

CEO, Ariel Weisel: “The campus was born out of the belief that real change in Bedouin society must come from within, from young people with vision and the ability to create a better reality.”

Opening ceremony attended by President Isaac Herzog.

Developing Israel’s periphery is vital for economy, aliyah - opinion

As Israel plans for the arrival of its next 10 million, the periphery must play a leading role. The region is hiding in plain sight. Now is the time to see it.

NEW APARTMENTS are under construction in Katzrin this month. The importance of developing our periphery – the Galilee, the Golan, and the Negev – is increasingly evident, the writer maintains.

WATCH: Retamim residents fear for safety after heavy gunfire from nearby Bedouin village

National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir visited the scene, and blamed previous Shin Bet head Ronen Bar for not acting on Bedouin crime.

National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir talks with residents of Carmit, southern Israel, November 17, 2025.

After $908m. in wartime aid, Jewish Federations of North America pivot to ‘Rebuild Israel’

According to JFNA’s figures, the Israel Emergency Campaign raised $908 million and provided support through more than 4,200 grants to 877 NGO partners

A drone picture of family and supporters gathering as former Israeli hostage Elkana Bohbot returns home after leaving the hospital, following his release from captivity in Gaza, in Mevaseret Zion, Israel, October 19, 2025

The capital of the Negev puts itself on the map: NIS 1.2 billion for a transformative plan

Israel approves a NIS 1.2b plan for Beersheba, the southern metropolis. Mayor Ruvik Danilovich says the Negev is at a crucial turning point for its own future and for that of the entire nation.

Beersheba landscape.