Housing Minister Yaakov Litzman (UTJ) is examining the possibility of providing grants to those purchasing apartments in development cities in Israel's periphery.
According to Kikar Hashabbat, Litzman requested his ministry examine the housing situation in the southern city of Dimona. After he had gathered the required material, Litzman met with Dimona's mayor, Benny Biton, in order to examine his willingness to house haredim in the city.
In addition to his position as Dimona's mayor, Biton also serves as the head of the Development Cities Forum.
Litzman's plan would include a list of development and peripheral cities across Israel.
Last week, Litzman told News 13: "I don't see any embarrassment in helping haredim. I must help them, because they've been neglected."
However, he emphasized: "I'm going to help Arabs also, I have a plan for helping them. I'm going to help everyone."
Last year, it was reported that Gur, the hasidic sect Litzman belongs to, would begin sending young couples to Dimona, since prices in nearby Arad were rising as a result of their presence. Many of Dimona's residents protested the plan, claiming that Dimona is a model of coexistence and harmony, while the Gur population in Arad has caused controversy within the city.