Israel’s Ministry of Defense and the IDF Home Front Command have teamed up with the Ministry of Finance. They plan to build around 10,000 reinforced rooms for civilians. These bomb shelters will be in towns 1 to 5 kilometers (up to 3 miles) from the Lebanese border. The Ministry called this effort a “self-realization” route.
Bomb Shelters Already Under Construction
Construction of 1,700 bomb shelters has already started. The Ministry of Defense’s engineering and construction team began this work after a ceasefire in Lebanon. These shelters are being built in settlements near the border.
Boost to Northern Shield Project
On Sunday, officials signed a major agreement to speed up the Northern Shield project. This is Israel’s national plan to strengthen northern defense. The Ministries of Defense and Finance and the IDF formalized the deal at a ceremony at the IDF Home Front Command.
Funding and Grants
The agreement is worth 1.2 billion shekels ($330 million). Of this, 875 million shekels ($240.9 million) will fund the “self-realization” route. Residents in 28 border settlements will receive grants of up to 132,000 shekels ($36,360). This money will help them set up facilities like medical centers in their homes.
Focus on Border Safety
This initiative aims to protect communities close to the Lebanese border. It reflects Israel’s commitment to strengthening security in vulnerable areas.