A bomb shelter in Sderot. Photo: Wikimedia Commons.

JNS.org – In what Housing and Construction Minister Uri Ariel called “an economic Iron Dome for residents of the Gaza periphery,” an aid package for southern Israel is expected to be approved by the Israeli cabinet on Sunday.

The government is set to invest hundreds of millions of shekels in Gaza border-area communities, including plans for infrastructure development, housing subsidies, paving new roads, and incentives to encourage young people and immigrants to move to the area.

A draft of the plan was distributed this week to local council heads in southern Israel ahead of next week’s cabinet vote, Israel Hayom reported. The plan is estimated to cost some NIS 650 million ($182 million) and scheduled to be invested in Gaza border-area communities and the city of Sderot over the next three years. The plan also fosters plans for employment and industry in the region, as well as authorizing communities to expand to 500 families each.

In addition, the aid package earmarks funds to construct and renovate public buildings, and NIS 90 million ($25 million) to build sports courts and public leisure spaces.