Prime Minister Netanyahu announced that at the end of the discussions regarding the Sde Dov case, the airport will close its doors at midnight as planned. However, residents of Eilat will receive assistance in return. Notably, funding for travel expenses for medical treatments and air transport to the center of Tel Aviv. Furthermore, the state will modernize Terminal 1 for an amount of 230 million euros.
The President of the Histadrout declared: Netanyahu succumbed to the pressure from advisors
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The Prime Minister announced on Sunday evening that after extensive discussions with the Minister of Transport, Bezalel Smotrich, the impossibility of evacuating Sde Dov. Moreover, any attempt would cost the state billions of shekels. Notably, causing considerable damage to the state coffers.
The Tel Aviv – Sde Dov airport will close tonight at 11:59 PM sharp.
Residents of southern cities and those who frequently travel there, without checked baggage, will benefit from free transportation. From the terminal 1 bus directly to the Savidor train station in Tel Aviv. Additionally, they will be able to use a dedicated shuttle, tailored to flight schedules. Besides that, passengers will receive a permanent ticket that will spare them from security checks before the flight and reduce their waiting time at the airport.
The upgrade of the airport and the modernization of Terminal 1 will cost 230 million NIS. All flights to Eilat will benefit from 400 additional parking spaces. Furthermore, passengers heading to Eilat will enjoy free parking at Ramon airport for 36 hours.
Moreover, Netanyahu announced that the state would transfer specific subsidies to doctors. Specifically, for medical teams wishing to settle in Eilat for five years.
Transport Minister Smotrich commented on the Sde Dov airport:
For three years, I have fought with all my might to keep Sde Dov in its place.
The Attorney General estimated that the State of Israel was exposed to billions of shekels in claims if the land remained in its place for even one more day.
It is under these circumstances that we made this difficult decision. I promise to continue supporting the residents of Eilat and their heroic mayor on all fronts. And this, to minimize the damage caused and ensure the well-being and development of the southern city, which faces many challenges.
The president of the Histadrout, Bar David, attacked Netanyahu and stated after the final decision: “Unfortunately, we were unable to prevent the closure of Sde Dov. After a long discussion and I would also say with the Prime Minister, he decided not to succumb to the pressure from his legal advisors and legal opinions. The Prime Minister decided to close Sde Dov.”
Bar David added: “I think this is a sad day for the residents of the city of Eilat, for its inhabitants and for its workers. We hope that the closure will not harm the city. Eilat will receive a package of assistance from the government, as promised by the Prime Minister, to overcome the blow dealt to the city today.
