The cabinet on Sunday approved a NIS 360 million ($120 million) five-year development plan to boost the economy and improve the quality of life in the southern city of Eilat and the adjacent Hevel Eilot Regional Council area.

In cooperation with 20 government ministries, the “flagship” plan aims to upgrade the city’s public transportation and airport, improve the health system, develop the economy, strengthen tourism, and invest in tertiary education opportunities, according to a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office.

The statement also said an advanced warning center will be established to improve the city’s preparedness for emergency situations.

“Eilat and Hevel Eilot are the southern pearl of the State of Israel,” Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said, according to the statement.

“During the war we saw mutual responsibility and the exceptional resilience of the area’s residents, who opened their homes and received tens of thousands of evacuated families,” Netanyahu said.

“Today we are continuing with action — with a broad five-year plan that will invest in health, transport, education, tourism, employment, and infrastructure. It will improve the quality of life for the residents and will establish Eilat as the strong, flourishing, southern gate of Israel,” he added.

Eilat Mayor Eli Lankri said that the........

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