news.yahoo.com/s/afp/2008...80721092011
JERUSALEM (AFP) - The Israeli government plans to build a new city for Arabs in the northern region of Galilee to meet the needs of a growing population, the press reported on Monday.
The proposal for the city, whose location has still to be determined, was made by Interior Minister Meir Sheetrit and approved by the cabinet on Sunday.
"There is a need to broaden the range of opportunities available to the non-Jewish population," Sheetrit was quoted as saying.
"My aspiration is for a new Arab city in the Galilee, where young couples can buy a house, just like in any other city in the world."
Israel's population of more than seven million people includes about 1.2 million Arabs, most of whom live in the north. The press said older Arab cities tend to lack modern infrastructure and adequate building space.
The project, which has the backing of the prime minister and the construction and housing minister, will now go to the preliminary planning stage. A committee, which will include Arab representatives, is expected to present its conclusions by year-end.
Nazareth, which dates back to at least the time of Christ and is located not far from the Sea of Galilee, is the largest Arab city.
JERUSALEM (AFP) - The Israeli government plans to build a new city for Arabs in the northern region of Galilee to meet the needs of a growing population, the press reported on Monday.
The proposal for the city, whose location has still to be determined, was made by Interior Minister Meir Sheetrit and approved by the cabinet on Sunday.
"There is a need to broaden the range of opportunities available to the non-Jewish population," Sheetrit was quoted as saying.
"My aspiration is for a new Arab city in the Galilee, where young couples can buy a house, just like in any other city in the world."
Israel's population of more than seven million people includes about 1.2 million Arabs, most of whom live in the north. The press said older Arab cities tend to lack modern infrastructure and adequate building space.
The project, which has the backing of the prime minister and the construction and housing minister, will now go to the preliminary planning stage. A committee, which will include Arab representatives, is expected to present its conclusions by year-end.
Nazareth, which dates back to at least the time of Christ and is located not far from the Sea of Galilee, is the largest Arab city.
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