On Sunday morning, the government approved the cessation of petrochemical activities, and the establishment of large-scale infrastructure projects, in Haifa Bay.
The government decision, initiated by Foreign Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Yair Lapid, was formulated by the Alternate Prime Minister's Office and the National Economic Council.
The decision is also shared by Finance Minister Avigdor Liberman and Energy Minister Karin Elharar, Transportation Minister Merav Michaeli, Environmental Protection Minister Tamar Zandberg, Health Minister Nitzan Horowitz and Interior Minister Ayelet Shaked. The Planning Directorate, the Israel Land Authority, and the Ministry of Economy are also partners in the decision.
According to the decision, the activity of the petrochemical industry will cease in Haifa Bay within a decade. At the same time, plans for the development of the area with infrastructure, residential and transportation projects amounting to billions of shekels, will be promoted.
In order to implement the decision, a dedicated directorate will be established which will deal with the removal of barriers, include inter-ministerial cooperation and cooperation between local government and civil society in promoting the implementation of projects, and monitor and report to the government on meeting deadlines.