Minister of Regional Cooperation Ofir Akunis (Likud) visited the Jordan River baptismal site Qasr el Yahud. Akunis predicted that following renovation of the site the entire Jordan Valley would benefit significantly from the multitudes of Christians who would visit the area each year.
According to Christian tradition, Qasr el Yahud is where John the Baptist baptised Jesus. Christians who visit there typically participate in a baptism ritual in the Jordan River.