Nation answers terror with life, resilience, and growth, strengthening Negev while memorializing Israeli sacrifice forever.
The Israeli government on Sunday approved a strategic proposal to establish five new community settlements in the eastern Be’er Sheva metropolitan area, marking a decisive step to strengthen Israel’s southern frontier.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that one of the new communities will be named “Rannanim”, in memory of Ran Gvili, the last remaining hostage—transforming national grief into lasting national resolve.
According to the Prime Minister’s Office, the move is part of a comprehensive national initiative to fortify the Negev, reinforce Israel’s strategic depth, and expand civilian and security presence across the south.
The plan—advanced by Construction and Housing Minister Haim Katz and Settlements Minister Orit Struck—has received approval from the National Council for Planning and Building and will proceed to detailed planning, infrastructure rollout, and the establishment of a regional employment and services hub.
Settlement will be implemented in stages, forming part of a long-term strategy to enhance the Negev’s economic vitality, civilian permanence, and security resilience. Speaking at the cabinet meeting, Netanyahu described the decision as a “significant settlement step,” reflecting growing momentum in southern development.
Minister Katz emphasized the initiative along Route 25 as a national mission that will expand housing supply and create a continuous construction corridor between Be’er Sheva and Dimona. Minister Struck called the project a long-standing strategic goal, designed to reshape the central Negev, strengthen stability, and anchor Israel’s future in the south—crediting close interministerial cooperation for advancing this key objective.
