Police officers from the Netivot police station on Wednesday morning located a suspicious bag in an open area near the entrance to the city An initial inspection by a police sapper showed that it is likely that the device was left by terrorists who attempted to infiltrate Netivot on the morning of the October 7 massacre Sappers from the Southern District arrived at the scene to safely detonate the device and inspect it so as to ensure that it presented no further threat Hamas terrorists were on their way to the city of Netivot on the morning of October 7 A few terror cells made their way towards the city but were stopped thanks to a quick response by security forces who set up checkpoints at the entrance to the city and the roads leading to it Ten of Netivot's residents were murdered during the massacre Three members of a single family were killed when a rocket struck their home The rupture of October 7 has produced hundreds of tales of wonders and salvation evidence of the need to create meaning from the chaos – and of course a desire of some to exploit the situation 2024Get email notification for articles from Or Kashti FollowAug 8 grandson of the Baba Sali – the late Israel Abuhatzeira a Moroccan-born rabbi and kabbalist – appeared in a live broadcast on Channel 2000 "It's absolutely unbelievable," Busso said with palpable excitement going on to relate the story of the "miracle of Netivot," the city in the western Negev where the Baba Sali lived and is buried '#' : location.hash;window._cf_chl_opt.cOgUQuery = location.search === '' && location.href.slice(0 location.href.length - window._cf_chl_opt.cOgUHash.length).indexOf('?') !== -1 '?' : location.search;if (window.history && window.history.replaceState) {var ogU = location.pathname + window._cf_chl_opt.cOgUQuery + window._cf_chl_opt.cOgUHash;history.replaceState(null "\/liveblog_entry\/police-find-unexploded-bomb-near-netivot-believe-it-was-left-there-by-hamas-during-oct-7-attack\/?__cf_chl_rt_tk=rDgsJRbdjX4BHHDvOxZVzusN1essw4ayyrt6dhbC3q8-1746495490-1.0.1.1-muft6dLA4ttFEJzmQrflaF51P0ELx21cmmix9gsaTiA" + window._cf_chl_opt.cOgUHash);cpo.onload = function() {history.replaceState(null ogU);}}document.getElementsByTagName('head')[0].appendChild(cpo);}()); An IDF investigation into the massacre at the Supernova festival near Re'im reveals that the Hamas force that attacked the festival had initially intended to attack Netivot Kan reports that the force was part of the Nuseirat Brigade and numbered between 100-120 terrorists They crossed the Gaza-Israel border in the second wave The terrorists were equipped with two heavy machine guns each terrorist had personal weapons like Kalashnikovs and grenades they missed their original target and moved eastward in Be'eri Forest They reached the festival region at 8:10 but only encountered the festival itself at 9:00 The terrorists left the festival area around 10:10 and moved northward They encountered military forces and turned towards Be'eri Those who abducted the party-goers immediately returned to Gaza Those who attacked Be'eri were mostly killed in the ensuing battle In addition to the Nuseirat Brigade from Hamas other non-organized terrorists also attacked the Supernova festival "\/liveblog_entry\/netivot-resident-65-indicted-after-spying-for-iran-in-exchange-for-41000\/?__cf_chl_rt_tk=C.7mcXRUD7XdWjhZ0lAxgrxCey5wq3kris3LpFoxza8-1746495503-1.0.1.1-BBpxVi3hV6BIU9FwUc8H5In6ypQU6brFYXV3axUbgBw" + window._cf_chl_opt.cOgUHash);cpo.onload = function() {history.replaceState(null Sirens were sounded at midnight on Wednesday The IDF Spokesperson's Unit said that two projectiles were identified crossing from the central Gaza Strip into Israeli territory One projectile was successfully intercepted and the second projectile fell in an open area Hamas claimed responsibility for the rocket fire sirens were sounded in the communities near the Gaza Strip The IDF said that a projectile was launched from southern Gaza toward Israel and an interceptor was launched toward the projectile No injuries were reported in that incident Earlier on Tuesday, the IDF announced that the IAF conducted an intelligence-based strike eliminating the terrorist Abd al-Hadi Sabah a Nukhba Platoon Commander in the Western Khan Yunis Battalion The terrorist operated from a shelter in the Humanitarian Area in Khan Yunis Abd al-Hadi Sabah was one of the leaders of the infiltration into Kibbutz Nir Oz during the murderous October 7th Massacre Sabah led and advanced numerous terrorist attacks against IDF troops numerous steps were taken to minimize harm to civilians "\/liveblog_entry\/katz-idf-will-intensify-fight-against-hamas-unless-the-hostages-are-released\/?__cf_chl_rt_tk=MSeghx_VwXFedTK.b6TCRtH2_7QYr98e1b_cmSOAORA-1746495523-1.0.1.1-5sxw9iKhtJqkvKjBpMHytRh5zwaqyX50fk.VLgCueSk" + window._cf_chl_opt.cOgUHash);cpo.onload = function() {history.replaceState(null The Israel Security Agency (ISA) and police announced on Sunday that in February The investigation found that Yusufov was in contact with an individual who claimed to be an Azeri citizen who resided in Dubai and carried out surveillance and photographed sensitive Israeli sites for him Among the locations that the suspect photographed it was revealed that under the orders of his Azeri handler Yusufov rented an apartment overlooking the Haifa Port to use for the operational needs of hostile factors Despite suspecting that a hostile country was using him Yusufov continued performing tasks while receiving payment through cryptocurrencies and using various means to keep the connection secret The investigation found that Iranian intelligence was using him The Southern District Prosecutor is expected to submit an indictment against him on Monday Israel's National Planning and Building Commission today approved for deposit plans for the new Gaza border town on Hanon which will be north of Road 25 between Netivot and Kibbutz Sa'ad will have 500 housing units for 1,800 residents Hanon will be seven kilometers from the Gaza border The Commission said that the reason for the new town is "Consolidating settlement in the region dispersing the population and bringing young families into the Gaza border area." The Israel Land Administration stressed that this is an initial stage of district outline planning and that "there is no reason in this decision to prioritize the establishment of a new settlement over the rehabilitation and physical and social strengthening of existing settlements in the area The council believes that the establishment of the settlement will have to be examined in the future as part of a basket of solutions that will be offered for the restoration of the area with a broad vision of the entire region." While Minister of Construction and Housing Yitzhak Goldknopf said that this is another step in strengthening the Gaza border area many protested that this is not the right time to be establishing a new settlement partner and head of the planning and zoning environment practice at Arnon "This settlement is an unprecedented folly." Netivot Municipality strongly opposed the establishment of Hanon claiming that such a move would harm it socially and economically "If the National Commission wants to join in the celebrations to promote Zionism it should actually not approve this settlement We need to see what Israel's perception is of the Gaza Strip and the border and hold discussions with the Ministry of Defense It is possible that perceptions will change: maybe we need to organize more in the cities maybe not disperse the residents in the settlements as we have done so far Tzin told "Globes" that all examination on the establishment of the settlement were done before October 7 "All these examinations need to be undertaken again You can't carry on as if nothing has happened." Published by Globes, Israel business news - en.globes.co.il - on November 7 © Copyright of Globes Publisher Itonut (1983) Ltd. IDF says it intercepted rocket from southern Gaza ■ LEBANON: News channels report an Israeli drone struck a car in southern Lebanon ■ YEMEN: U.S confirms strikes on Houthi targets in Saana; Houthi official says attacks on Israel will continue GAZA: 45 patients evacuated to the UAE for medical care ■ ISRAEL: After sirens Click here for updates from Day 453 of the war Missiles fired from Gaza during Operation Cast Lead in the winter of 2008–09 may have prevented the annual 4 Shevat hilula of the Baba Sali but the throngs returned the next year and have been increasing ever since Upon the passing of Rav Yisrael Abuchatzeira (1889–1984) brought large and diverse crowds paying their respects and praying for their spiritual and physical needs The Negev development town of Netivot was the renowned Moroccan kabbalist’s home for the last 14 years of his long life But his road to Netivot went past quite a few stations along the way Scion to one of the most prestigious Moroccan rabbinical families Rav Yisrael Abuchatzeira was born in the desert town of Rissani in the Tafilalet region of eastern Morocco Having resided in this area rich in Jewish history for centuries the Abuchatzeira family dominated local rabbinical life the 19-year-old Baba Sali succeeded him as rosh yeshivah in Rissani During a skirmish between colonial French troops and locals in 1919 Rav David was falsely accused of aiding the French and was publicly executed by local Arabs Several members of the Abuchatzeira family fled Rissani as a result who sought refuge in the small Berber town of Boudenib near the Algerian border in the Atlas Mountains he duly reestablished his yeshivah in his new home the Baba Sali traveled to Eretz Yisrael in 1922 Studying in the renowned Beit El yeshivah for mekubalim in Jerusalem’s Old City the Baba Sali added to the kabbalistic knowledge that was his family legacy and that would become the hallmark of his own life and career in the ensuing decades In 1933 he moved once again to the Old City of Yerushalayim this time to learn in the esteemed Porat Yosef Yeshivah overlooking the Kosel Shortly thereafter he again returned to Morocco In 1939 he was appointed to the rabbinate in the Sahara oasis town of Erfoud home to a sizable Jewish community where many Abuchatzeira family members had served in rabbinical positions over the years He remained in Erfoud until he immigrated to Israel for the third time in 1951 He lived in the Baka neighborhood of Yerushalayim for several years and was even considered a candidate for the chief rabbinate of Israel upon the passing of Rav Ben-Zion Meir Chai Uziel in 1953 before once again settling in the town of his youth he moved to Israel for the fourth and final time where he moved in with his son-in-law and nephew where he remained for the rest of his life his wise counsel and blessings were sought by multitudes from across the religious and ideological spectrum He lived a lifestyle of extreme simplicity in his home and furnishings often following the custom of Moroccan tzaddikim to fast from Shabbos to Shabbos The Baba Sali welcomed all types of guests to his home Though they came to pour out their hearts to him he first insisted on pouring out l’chayims of arak for them and bade them to pray for Mashiach’s arrival The physical grandeur he had shied away from in his own lifetime finally caught up to him following his passing On the occasion of his first hilula in 1985 a domed structure was constructed over his kever and a reported 200,000 pilgrims came to pay him homage there The municipality of Netivot and the Abuchatzeira family invested over NIS 50 million in the kever’s infrastructure and surrounding areas in the late 1980s to accommodate the ever-increasing crowds The 1988 hilula brought Chief Rabbi Rav Mordechai Eliyahu as well as Prime Minister Yitzchak Shamir and other dignitaries Though it’s now four decades since the Baba Sali’s passing the connection to the great Moroccan sage is stronger than ever at his eternal resting place in Netivot Though the Baba Sali was famous for living a life of holiness permeated with the study of Kabbalah but rather insisted that his petitioners accept upon themselves to strengthen their personal mitzvah observance as a merit for the requested salvation He’d especially emphasize the importance of Shabbos The Baba Sali was known to commemorate many hilulas of tzaddikim throughout the year Often these were Moroccan tzaddikim of yore with whom the participants were unfamiliar yet the Baba Sali ascribed great value to the personalities and their teachings Though he would host the events and distribute refreshments he himself would continue his custom of fasting The guests were enjoined to make a l’chayim on arak and recite a piyut in honor of the tzaddik The holy words of the Moroccan piyutim — often authored by his ancestors of the Abuchatzeira family — would often move the Baba Sali to tears Dovi Safier and Yehuda GebererThe Last Interview with Rav ShayaleMost of the information we have for him comes from oral traditions among Unterland Hungarian Jewry Dovi Safier and Yehuda GebererA Blood Libel in New YorkThe blood libel was leveled collectively against the Jews of Massena Dovi Safier and Yehuda GebererAn East Side StoryIn the winter of 1916 amid the economic pressures of immigrant life Dovi Safier and Yehuda GebererIndustrial PogromThe Triangle Shirtwaist Factory blaze claimed the lives of 146 workers Dovi Safier and Yehuda GebererThe Galicia–Vienna–Tel Aviv ExpressOver seven decades after the Ruzhiner’s midnight ride from Russia to Austria his descendants were to complete his journey Dovi Safier and Yehuda GebererWhen Dogevezh Nearly Went DarkA surprising solution arrived at the yeshivah’s doorstep almost immediately after Rav Doniel’s return El Al Israel Airlines (TASE: ELAL) chairperson Amikam Ben Zvi has been questioned on suspicion of involvement in the graft affair in which the mayor of Netivot The investigation relates to real estate projects in Netivot Ben Zvi is one of the contractors questioned in the affair At little over a week ago it was reported that a covert investigation by the police Lahav 433 National Fraud Unit had become overt The police reported at the time that it had carried out searches and that people suspected of involvement in the affair had been summoned for questioning The economic department of the State Attorney’s Office is supervising the investigation a former chairperson of the Standards Institution of Israel owns and runs MBZ Construction Company Ltd He served in the past as CEO of Schindler Nechushtan Elevators Ltd and of state-owned housing company Amidar Ben Zvi respects the law enforcement authorities and is certain that at the end of the investigation it will become clear that his conduct has been irreproachable It’s important to stress that this inquiry has no connection whatsoever to his role as chairperson of the El Al board of directors." Amikam Ben Zvi has been questioned in this affair and hence has not been convicted of any crime and is entitled to the presumption of innocence Published by Globes, Israel business news - en.globes.co.il - on April 18 Please enable JS and disable any ad blocker Netivot offers a number of culinary tours that reveal delicious secret spots | File photo: Rafael Ben-Ari When you ask the locals why they don't leave Netivot the answer is nearly uniform: "The food here is the best!" Today a number of culinary tours are regularly held in the southern city Beyond the surprising dishes hiding in Netivot's kitchens there's also the encounter with the residents and business owners behind the stories – the people who make Netivot so special Follow Israel Hayom on Facebook and Twitter  combining old and new and different communities and cultures Most of the participants in culinary tours in the city have never been to Netivot and only have a stereotyped perception of the city Those who have visited the city for the first time and enjoyed its delicacies are the best ambassadors who's been taking visitors on social tours of the city for the past seven years and has lately added culinary tours as well we chose a few places that are a must for every visitor Netivot's old market has a number of veteran restaurants that have long been culinary institutions They say that Amos was the first to sell falafel in Netivot who has a charming smile and is highly service-oriented Our recommendation – take a big bite from the Tunisian koftas A few steps further on you'll find Adam's Brika – a tiny shop that doesn't even have a sign but you'll easily recognize it by the long line at the entrance Hundreds come here every day to taste the famously delicious brika he immigrated to Israel and landed in Netivot; he's part of the city's founding generation The city's veterans remember the first shop he opened if you wanted another egg in the brika you had to bring the egg from home the shop moved to the courtyard of the old market Its secret lies in the home-made red harissa sauce the recipe for which is zealously guarded by the owners Adam entrusted the shop's management to his grandson Nehorai who continues in the tradition of his beloved grandfather The recommended way of eating the brika is They also sell other pastries such as bourekas so for many youth it's the favorite place to end a night out with a warm which you can serve at your Friday night dinner with salads or Moroccan fish  Meir Bonfed opened Joya Sushi Bar seven years ago this is the first sushi restaurant opened in Netivot Meir says that his dream was to bring the tastes of the Far East to Netivot and make good delicious sushi made of high-quality raw materials I remember the effort he put into acquainting the region's residents with the new tastes – an effort that bore fruit and today the restaurant has become famous and a variety of other dishes identified with the Far East My recommendation: don't miss the "Meir," the most unique roll on the menu Joya has a kashrut certificate from Badatz Beit Yosef Patisserie Nichochot Haim is owned by Haim Dimri one of the best-known and beloved residents of the region He often appears on morning talk shows and in food sections is complimented by leaders of the Israeli culinary industry and recently took part in the TV show The Perfect Dessert At his patisserie you can find a large variety of unique Dimri succeeds in bringing the aroma of Paris to Netivot – in his shop you can find a very large variety of desserts such as éclairs with different fillings Make sure to spend some time in the shop – treat yourself to a warm drink with a dessert from the window display  Basher Fromagerie in the Paris Center complex is one of the venues that attracts tourists from all over the country I was very impressed with the cheese shop that sells kosher cheese from all over the world The store is managed by the lovely Shira Cohen who started out as a worker in Basher's Beersheba branch and today is a partner in the Netivot shop Shira has immense knowledge of the shop's products and the field she has made the center of her life and she is able to transmit that knowledge to the many customers who visit the store Each time she teaches me about another new cheese I didn't know of I recommend a glass of wine with a slice of village bread smeared with truffle butter and a little bowl of olives – a perfect combination the owner of "Culinary Story," recognized the city's culinary potential and created a 3.5-hour tour that combines luxury with simplicity the tour begins beneath the Eiffel Tower at the Paris Center where participants taste the best cheeses in the world alongside sips of wine; the next stop is the market where they try Adam and Nehorai's brikas at a shop founded 46 years ago (that doesn't even have a sign) handmade couscous with kofta at a 50-year-old restaurant while hearing about the surprising night life that has developed around the restaurant innovative locations such as Pizza della Vita – a real Neapolitan pizzeria where the pizza is cut with scissors like in Napoli; Joya a sushi restaurant where they can enjoy a surprising sushi roll with a twist of lemon and a crispy eggroll and hear the exciting stories told by Meir Meir tells of the long road he's traveled since opening the sushi restaurant in the middle of the market where he was seen as an oddball until turning the restaurant into the most successful of its kind The peak of the tour is the Patisserie Nichochot Haim where participants treat themselves to a dish from a table covered with colorful and very tasty French gourmet desserts made by Chef Haim Dimri Subscribe to Israel Hayom's daily newsletter and never miss our top stories food is more than just feeling satiated," explains Einav Levi they've been transmitting culinary secrets from father to son and from mother to daughter we see the growth of a new generation with a connection to dishes from different cultures around the world." "These tours contribute a great deal to the local economy they help the residents of the south make a decent living," sums up Adi Rozen "I also feel a true transformation with each tour that brings visitors to Netivot The common perception is that the city's residents are mostly ultra-Orthodox and people don't understand what's special about it they realize the many treasures the city has to offer these tours offer a great opportunity to discover all the good things we have right here." This article was produced courtesy of the Special Real Estate Magazine teeming with ever-changing trends and innovations one product has managed to outlast them all for.. You probably have bugs in your paprika – here's what you need to do to prevent it The branches of the popular American fried chicken chain have halted their operations in Israel and are currently closed Analysis  Archaeology Blogpost Business & Finance Culture Exclusive Explainer Environment Features Health In Brief Jewish World Judea and Samaria Lifestyle Cyber & Internet Sports Diplomacy  Iran & The Gulf Gaza Strip Politics Shopping Terms of use Privacy Policy Submissions Contact Us The first issue of Israel Hayom appeared on July 30 Israel Hayom was founded on the belief that the Israeli public deserves better more balanced and more accurate journalism [contact-form-7 id=”508379″ html_id=”isrh_form_Newsletter_en” title=”newsletter_subscribe”] citing incitement and bias ■ ISRAEL: Former defense chief Gallant quits parliament; IDF says soldier lightly wounded in West Bank ramming attack ■ LEBANON: IDF says it attacked Hezbollah weapons storage facility WEST BANK: Palestinian Authority suspends Al Jazeera broadcasts Click here for updates from Day 454 of the war "\/liveblog_entry\/shrapnel-falls-in-netivot-parking-lot-resulting-in-damage-but-no-injuries\/?__cf_chl_rt_tk=4XUOAo5njeuM2Xf2ggs82QMVcbjZ7.P8VfOgXtERQ78-1746495599-1.0.1.1-Nry7d6YC6F5uivBnDfsTMbjqAmd_niZ57ul3L.JqlRk" + window._cf_chl_opt.cOgUHash);cpo.onload = function() {history.replaceState(null 2021Get email notification for articles from Naama Riba FollowAug 8 2021When your train pulls into the Netivot station you can see the Statue of Liberty from the platform situated in the parking lot of the Manhattan Project commercial center only a few minutes’ walk away The replica of the French landmark is located in the Oded Shriki Paris Center owner of the Arzey Hanegev construction firm He has garnered some publicity in recent years for his automobile collection and his palatial home which has served as a backdrop for wedding photos and television sketches Shriki also designed his Netivot mansion which stands out in the neighborhood of relatively modest single-family homes a staircase reminiscent of the one from the movie “Titanic,” huge chandeliers Open gallery viewThe Statue of Liberty replica in Netivot's Manhattan Project in January.Credit: Ofer VakninShriki’s architectural taste is also evident in the city’s two newer projects He stresses that he is the one who outlined the design’s particulars aided by architects who were responsible for the blueprints and execution Both of the Netivot projects were the work of architect Ron Golan The unfortunately-named Manhattan Project comprises 15 15-story residential buildings with some of the apartments sold under a reduced-price program for first-time home buyers the residential towers look like typical Israeli buildings with a 15-dunam (3.7 acre) park being developed at its center Open gallery viewThe Paris Center in Netivot southern Israel.Credit: Ofer Vaknin Open gallery viewGold Versace and Champ de Mars: welcome to Netivot's Paris Center.Credit: Tomer Appelbaum “I wanted the commercial center to be half-American and at the entrance stands an enormous wooden statue The railings that surround the offices are similar to those in the new commercial complexes “I was in Manhattan and I saw some beautiful buildings there All the buildings there are tall,” he says explaining his inspiration for the project that also gave it its name “This is the first time such tall buildings are going up in Netivot.” stresses that the Statue of Liberty is just another “motif.” What’s important is the city in which he’s building other projects as well “I built thousands of units for young couples in the city where I grew up and the fun for me is in seeing the project My goal is unique projects that do something good for the soul.” At the time of our interview all except a few of the 5-room apartments had been sold For interested parties: it’ll just set you back by 1.1 million shekels (about $342,400) The 47-year-old father of four grew up in a crowded apartment in a modest housing project He dropped out of school at the age of 13 and worked in a bakery as a wedding photographer and later in construction His first project in Netivot was 100 apartments in six-story buildings He makes a point of stressing that he builds all over the country Open gallery viewParis Center in Netivot.Credit: Tomer AppelbaumAux Shatnez-Elysées and it has retail chain shops at street level Above the stores are several floors of office space The center’s underground parking allows for a stronger connection between the project and the street via a plaza located on top of the parking lot Descent to the parking lot is through a pavilion decorated with photos of the Champs-Elysees and topped by a gabled roof The 32-meter-high replica of the Eiffel Tower stands in the center of the project It is lit up at night by color-changing lights The floor of the project is made of black and white checkboard tiles The fronts of the shops are decorated with gilded and the stores are fronted by an avenue of beige Corinthian columns In the center of the project are other stores with awnings in black and gold The place is lit by huge chandeliers and black light posts in January.Credit: Tomer AppelbaumEvery floor of office space is wrapped in beams whose design was inspired by classical elements like friezes and architraves They are adorned with cornices and medallions and bound by a wrought-iron railing decorated with a symbol reminiscent of a lotus or an urn To analyze the architecture of Shriki’s buildings one is advised to open a dictionary of classical architecture terms One might be tempted to make fun of the heavy people were coming to the Paris Center to gawk and be photographed there Some make it clear that they’re not fans of the design but acknowledge that it will draw visitors to the city Costs for the project were relatively high and it is unclear how long it’ll take for it to be profitable “I’m not looking at the profit right now,” Shriki said “I built it because I know that Netivot will get to very high places in the future Most commercial centers are built along the same model and I wanted the country to get some innovation.” He imported the Eiffel Tower replica from China which is also where most of his workers come from “The Chinese are honest people and top-class professionals,” he says Open gallery viewDeveloper and contractor Oded Shriki sitting by his Eiffel Tower replica in Paris Center in January.Credit: Tomer AppelbaumHis design ideas As to why the Eiffel Tower instead of focusing on some local icon Shriki is far from finished; he has other projects planned for Netivot At the city’s entrance he is planning to build a structure in his unique style for his company; another commercial project is to be situated near the Paris Center and include a replica of London’s Big Ben And there’s another 10-story residential project in the works He says that in his own city he builds in a style that he likes “But I also want to do special things in the rest of the country.” Open gallery viewChandeliers and a light post inside Paris Center.Credit: Tomer AppelbaumWill there be a pyramid And what does the municipality think about your having become a design influence in the city Every developer who chooses can build their own fantasies My fantasy is that people should have a good time.” Shriki says that he knew people would be interested in the project and that people send him pictures that they’ve taken at the site Open gallery viewThe gates of Shriki's Netivot home.Credit: Tomer AppelbaumParis Center is situated in an area with lots of potential that’s easy to walk through It’s not far from the city’s main thoroughfare A plan in the area is being advanced by the National Planning and Building Commission for Priority Residential Areas The plan encompasses 867 dunams (214 acres) in an L-shape adjacent to Route 25 The new plan provides a tenfold increase in building rights for business and commerce and a significant hike in the space allowed for public buildings The municipality is also seeking to include residential buildings in the area and the plan combines low-rise construction with a few towers Illustrations of the plan include the Eiffel Tower and Big Ben Baalei Hamelakha Street is dubbed “The Strip.” Netivot signed an agreement with the government to enlarge the city and it is now one of the fastest-growing cities in Israel The city looks like one huge construction site; new neighborhoods are going up alongside commercial compounds Open gallery viewA rendering of Oded Shriki's Netivot project including a Big Ben.Credit: snapshot&cohenZohar is one of the country’s longest serving mayors “I came when I was six years old and I will stay till the end of my days,” he says He is unmoved by the fact that his city has become an attraction due to Shriki’s icons “That’s one man’s craziness; it’s fine for him to do with his money whatever he wants There are 14 developers and contractors building here and our dreams are starting to come true.” The plan is being updated to allow up to 150,000 people Since the agreement was signed with the state “Three thousand people move here every year,” says Zohar and by marketing land we are getting funds that enable us to improve the older areas.” Do you think it’s proper for a developer to be delineating the city’s icons In the residential neighborhoods there are rules and the contractors work according to the urban building plans and his construction adds something to the city.” Business owners in the city feel a sense of community | Photo: Eyal Tagar The Statue of Liberty adorns the parking lot of the Manhattan Project commercial center Netivot's liberty lies in its recent transformation into a national commercial hub "Netivot has taken upon itself the liberty and responsibility of caring for its future." "People feel here as if they're abroad," says a local entrepreneur meaning that it isn't necessary to go abroad for high-quality shopping over 400 local businesses now supply the diverse needs of local residents and those from surrounding towns the sixth large shopping mall is under construction in Netivot It will join the impressive existing variety which concentrates all the leading Israeli fashion The growing commercial volume in Netivot provides an impressive solution to the population growth expected in the city in the upcoming years It also attracts residents of the city's surroundings as the leading commercial and recreational center of the Western Negev become the commercial capital of the Western Negev and in parallel with the city's sharp population growth Netivot has become the Negev's commercial capital with hundreds of local businesses and leading chains that together occupy over 100,000 sq.m translating to three square meters per resident – more than double the national average in comparison with Rishon LeZion and other large cities The buying power of Netivot's residents is about NIS 40 million per month and that of the region's residents – about NIS 220 million per month Netivot's population is expected to triple to 100,000 and it is already overtaking all of its competitors in the south of the country in terms of economic acceleration Over the past three years it has also been leading in the accelerated construction of housing units: while at the beginning of the decade The ultimate goal of the roof agreement is to expand the city's population to 100,000 about 28 kilometers from Beersheba and about 40 kilometers from Ashdod The rural area surrounding it includes the regional councils Sdot Negev and Bnei Shimon (totaling about 35,000 residents) the total population of Ofakim and Sderot is about 50,000 Netivot's growth momentum bolsters its status as a district capital in the Western Negev Ofakim's planned capacity is about 80,000 residents and the planned maximum capacity of the regional councils is 50,000 to 60,000 residents the region's population will reach more than 250,000 These residents will search for the regional commercial center "Netivot belongs to the Beersheba Subdistrict the city's expansion is not meant to replace Beersheba," explains town planner and CEO of the Geocartography Knowledge Group Dr "Netivot's growth was intended to provide a meaningful urban solution to the western area of the Negev and the subdistrict and its educational Netivot can only provide all these as a city of significant size." The commercial volume of the city's businesses is in fact much greater than its urban buying power and the surrounding regional councils visit the shopping centers in Netivot frequently (up to once a week) and about 27% visit the city at least once a month Degani's analysis shows that Netivot will continue to serve as an important commercial hub in the upcoming years Ofakim's proximity to Beersheba reduces the need for massive commercial development there so Netivot is expected to remain in the lead regionally Netivot's population numbered about 27,500; today according to data from the Ministry of Interior The pace of construction in the city and the high demand for apartments for sale supports its ongoing and rapid growth in the upcoming decade as well The analysis performed by the economic department of the Geocartography Group reveals that since its founding in the late 1950s the city has experienced high demand for housing growing at an accelerated rate of about 4.5% per year Netivot's growth is very prominent both locally and nationally: while the Israeli population is growing at a pace of slightly less that 2% is growing at a rate of 0.8% per year (in the past five years) Netivot is growing at a pace of over 4% and is set to reach 100,000 residents and more thanks to the pace of land marketing and housing starts in the city According to data from the city's engineering department about 8,400 housing units will be built in the city under the roof agreements and other plans for privately-held lands Netivot is soaring: between 2008 and 2020 it grew by 51% a town planner who develops economic plans for commercial complexes and economic development in local councils emphasizes that this is a very rare phenomenon in Israel's geographic periphery and that few cities numbering less than 50,000 residents can offer such a rich variety of successful commerce Its central location and its residents' entrepreneurial spirit have created fertile ground for business opportunities over the last decade the city was designated in the district outline plan for the Beersheba Metropolitan District TMM 23/14/4 as a "local anchor" – and it certainly fits the bill director of Geocartography's economic department explains the city's commercial development processes: "First old workshops and factories along Ba'alei ha-Melakha Street were converted to large commercial spaces more shopping centers were launched by local entrepreneurs with a replica of the Eiffel Tower and a mall of local and international stores topped by three floors of office space – mixed-use construction at its best Another center that opened this year is the G Center in the courtyard of the Globus complex notes that this gradual development of commerce in Netivot proceeded logically and in response to the demand of residents in the city and outside it as well as occasional internal tourist traffic This development also brought about the renewal of the city's old industrial zone and recalls processes in other industrial areas in the center of the country supported by trends in the Israeli economy Ba'alei Ha-Melakha Street is bustling with consumers visiting tens of thousands of meters of commercial space The demand for these spaces is fueled by a consumer public spread out over a wide geographic area The idea advanced by Mayor Yehiel Zohar is that as the city's educated population grows Netivot has become a magnet for residents of the entire region with a large concentration of commercial centers especially in the industrial zone," says Zohar "We built bridges that connect the old city with the new neighborhoods and we've upgraded the older neighborhoods." Business owners in the city feel a sense of community The mayor called on the residents to support business owners so as to encourage local acquisition and a Whatsapp group was even created with over 200 local business owners A special municipal department was created to accompany local businesses assisting in consultation and strategic development for businesses and connecting them to national projects and business advancement programs a short walk down Ba'alei ha-Melakha Street in Netivot is enough to sense its commercial power both in absolute terms and compared to other cities in the region Netivot is fulfilling the role of a regional anchor just as stated in the vision of the district outline plan thanks to its very rapid demographic growth demand coming from the city's surroundings populated by tens of thousands of residents and a local and national entrepreneurial spirit that brings in high-quality supply and a strong local leadership that can both formulate a vision and make it a reality This article might include sponsored and commercial content/marketing information Israel Hayom is not responsible for its nature or its credibility The publication of such content or information shall not be considered a recommendation and/or an offer by Israel Hayom to purchase and/or use the services or products mentioned in this article Menora is buying 450 Park Avenue in New York for $445 million Chairman of the Construction and Allied Industries Union: “The agreement is great news for the sector which is.. 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Family in front of its ruined house in the village of Tequma not far from the city of Netivot (Gil Cohen Magen for Reuters five days after the lull arrangement ended the towns and villages near the Gaza Strip the crossings and IDF bases were subjected to a massive rocket and mortar shell attack At least 60 rockets and mortar shells were fired It was the heaviest barrage in since the lull arrangement went into effect six months ago Dozens of civilians were treated for shock and there was extensive property damage Hamas’s excuse for the attack was the killing of three of its operatives shot by IDF forces to prevent them from placing an IED near the village of Netiv Ha’asara Hamas’s real purpose behind the barrage (and behind threats to increase the number of shells fired and to resume suicide bombing attacks ) was to change the rules of engagement in the post-lull period Hamas’s intentions are to restrict Israel ‘s freedom of action and response by exacting a high price every time the IDF successfully prevents an terrorist attack and to force Israel to open the Gaza Strip crossings even when all the terrorist organizations bombard Israel with rocket and mortar shell fire Hamas has again demonstrated that to carry out its terrorist policy it is prepared to sacrifice the basic interests of the Gaza Strip civilians That has been illustrated by the attacks on the crossings through which Hamas demands supplies be delivered and which are the exit points for Palestinians with humanitarian issues mortar shells were fired at the Kerem Shalom crossing and on December 25 the Erez crossing suffered a direct mortar shell hit.) On the evening of December 23 an IDF force prevented a terrorist squad from placing an IED close to the village of Netiv Ha’asara The incident began when an IDF patrol saw three armed terrorists placing an IED near the border security fence and during the exchange of fire the IED was detonated and a hand grenade was thrown at the soldiers No IDF soldier was wounded; the three terrorists were killed extra magazines and grenades (IDF Spokesman’s website Hamas announced that the three were its operatives (Al-Qassam website A continuous barrage of rocket and mortar shell fire began on the night of December 23 and continued until the evening of December 24 30 rocket hits were identified in Israeli territory and 30 mortar shells were fired: i) City of Sderot and region around it : One rocket landed in the center of the city During the day a number of rockets landed in the industrial zone one of them hitting a factory; two workers were treated for smoke inhalation iii) City of Ashqelon and the region around it : A number of rockets landed in Ashqelon and in the industrial zone south of the city One rocket hit a house; 11 residents were treated for shock A terrified child and a house which sustained a direct hit both in Ashqelon (Photos by Yehuda Peretz iv) Villages near the Gaza Strip : Villages near the Gaza Strip were also targeted by rocket and mortar shell fire Two mortar shells fell on a factory in the village of Nahal Oz Shortly thereafter another rocket hit the factory v) IDF bases : On December 24 rockets and mortar shells attacked IDF bases near the border security fence Six mortar shells hit the base near the village of Nahal Oz vi) The Gaza Strip crossings : A number of mortar shells were fired at the Kerem Shalom crossing and fell near the village of Kerem Shalom Taking responsibility for the attack via the Al-Qassam website Hamas specifically said the shells targeted the crossing the crossing through which supplies are delivered to the Gaza Strip On December 25 a mortar shell hit the Erez crossing in the northern Gaza Strip through which Palestinians with humanitarian issues customarily pass No casualties were reported; there was damage to property Hamas claimed responsibility for most of the rocket fire and mortar shell fire 1 The Popular Resistance Committees and the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine also claimed responsibility The rocket fire also targeted the crossings between Israel and the Gaza Strip which serve the humanitarian interests of the Gazan civilian and through which food On December 24 at least ten mortar shells were fired at the Kerem Shalom crossing through which Egypt was planning to send a convoy of trucks carrying supplies senior Hamas figure Ayman Taha told a Reuters correspondent in the Gaza Strip that the organizations operating in the Gaza Strip had agreed to lay down their arms for 24 hours to allow supplies to be delivered) (Al-Jazeera TV On December 25 a mortar shell landed directly on the Erez crossing as Palestinians leaving the Gaza Strip for medical treatment in Israel and a group of Christian pilgrims were passing through The shell penetrated the roof of the transit hall and landed in an open area near where the pilgrims were waiting It fell apart as it hit and did not explode The attacks prevented goods from being delivered through the crossings the Israeli defense minister had deliberated with is deputy and other security personnel and decided that despite the tension of the last few days Israel would allow a limited amount of equipment to be delivered into the Gaza Strip through the crossings the massive rocket and mortar shell attacks carried out a few hours before the supplies were supposed to pass into the Gaza Strip led the government to decide not to deliver them and to leave the crossings closed (Ynet which was limited by difficult weather conditions included two aerial attacks on rocket launchers On the afternoon of December 24 the Israeli Air Force attacked a rocket launcher near Khan Yunis in the southern Gaza strip combat helicopters attacked a squad in the southern Gaza strip which had previously launched mortar shells into Israeli territory (IDF Spokesman’s website Hamas announced the death of an Izz al-Din al-Qassam Brigades operative who had fired a mortar shell into Israel (Al-Qassam website On December the Gaza Strip media reported four Palestinians had been wounded one of them a photographer for Hamas’s Al-Aqsa TV (who had apparently been embedded in the squad to document the attack.) On December 24 Israel ‘s Security Cabinet met to discuss an Israel response to the attacks According to a report in the Israeli morning newspaper Haaretz a number of military options were proposed It stated that actions would be taken gradually to destroy "assets” belonging to the Hamas administration and military-terrorist wing The Cabinet ministers agreed with the prime minister defense minister and foreign minister to authorize a date for the attacks Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni is supposed to update Egyptian Prime Minister Hosni Mubarak on the Cabinet’s decision and inform him that Israel will only enter into another lull arrangement on its own terms (Barak Ravid As Hamas operatives were carrying out massive rocket and mortar shell strikes against Israel the movement’s spokesmen waged a propaganda assault to represent them as a response to Israeli actions in the Gaza Strip Several Hamas spokesmen said that Hamas had not abandoned the possibility of continuing the lull arrangement while others threatened that Hamas would not hesitate to increase the rocket and mortar shell fire and put more populated Israeli locations in the line of fire (statements inspired by announcements made by Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah during the second Lebanon war) Some of the statements made by Hamas were the following: condemned the "Israeli attacks” on the Palestinian people and placed responsibility for the results on Israel He also said that the "resistance” [i.e. the terrorist organizations] had to respond with all the means at their disposal to the "aggression” which was part of an Israeli attempt to smash Hamas’s resolve and make it agree to a new lull arrangement on Israeli terms (Al-Bayan website speaker for the Hamas faction in the Palestinian Legislative Council said that the Israeli government would bear the results of the escalation in the Gaza Strip because it continued "doing stupid things” to the Palestinians He added that the fire was part of defending the Palestinian people against "continued Zionist crimes.” He also warned that an IDF attack on the Gaza Strip would not be a walk in the park (Palestine-info website also a Hamas spokesman in the Palestinian Legislative Council said that the rockets which had been launched were only the first message and threatened to extend the attacks beyond what had been carried out so far He guaranteed that Israel would "be hit in a way it had never been before,” and that he was not afraid of Israel threats The population of the villages bordering on the Gaza Strip would not be secure "as long as Palestinians are not secure” (Filastin al-‘An website said that if the "siege” continued and the crossings remained closed because the Palestinian people were not tired of the "resistance” [i.e. the continuation of Palestinian terrorism] (Radio Monte Carlo "as promised to the Palestinian people have taken it upon themselves to respond and to resist the [Israeli] aggression using means that will frighten the Zionist occupation.” He said that Israel had not expected such an attack and that "our undertaking is the resistance [i.e. a campaign of violence directed against Israel ] and not the lull arrangement.” He also stated that all Izz al-Din al-Qassam Brigades options were open although that did not mean one would be carried out tomorrow or the next day (Al-Aqsa TV Mahmoud Abbas told a press conference held with Qatar ‘s foreign minister that the situation in the Gaza Strip under "siege and aggression” made him very sad He demanded that Israel end its "aggression” and that the Palestinian organizations stop firing rockets from the Gaza Strip He called for a permanent and comprehensive cease fire for the sake of Palestinian interests (Wafa News Agency 1 This was the first time since Hamas announced the end of the lull arrangement that it claimed responsibility for rocket fire Until now it had found it sufficient to fire mortar shells and allow the other terrorist organizations to carry out the intensive rocket attacks on Israel