A roof in southern Israel damaged by rocket fire. Photo: Wikimedia Commons.

JNS.org – The Israeli government on Sunday approved a financial aid package to rehabilitate the southern communities most affected by Hamas rocket fire during Operation Protective Edge.

The plan, formulated by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Finance Minister Yair Lapid, Economy and Trade Minister Naftali Bennett, Housing and Construction Minister Uri Ariel, and Negev and Galilee Development Minister Silvan Shalom, will see the immediate transfer of $6.6 million in auxiliary funding to the Gaza vicinity communities, and an additional $3.9 million to the southern city of Sderot.

As part of the multi-year plan, the full costs of which are estimated at $120.5 million, the Israeli government will fund the restoration and construction of public parks, sports centers, and public and cultural institutions in southern Israel, as well as invest in the fortification of existing daycare centers, public building and infrastructure.

“It is clear that beyond the need to restore peace and quiet in the south and all across Israel, we also have to make a special effort to nurture the south, as part of meeting our national challenges. We will do so is the shortest timeframe possible,” Netanyahu said Sunday.