Lieberman to propose new Druze village

Foreign minister tours north, promises to solve housing shortage faced by Druze community

Itamar Eichner|Published: 04.02.12 , 13:59

Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman said while touring the north that he would find a solution to the housing shortage faced by the Druze sector, Yedioth Ahronoth reported Monday.

Lieberman met with the representatives of the Druze and Circassian councils and announced that he intends submit a proposal for the government's consideration to build a new town for the Druze community.

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According to the minister, his proposal will mandate the World Zionist Organization's Settlement Division to devise a plan for the construction of the town, which is expected to house at least 500 families. The measure would be financed by the State's long-term initiative to invest in Druze and Circassian settlement. The government allocated millions of shekels towards the initiative last year.

"The Druze community is an important group that greatly contributes to Israel's society," Lieberman said.

The minister noted that the lack of housing for young couples and the absence of land for construction calls for the establishment of a new village. He added that a variety of sites are being considered for this purpose, including Horbat Inbal, where a former Druze village was built and later deserted.

Internal Security Minister Yitzhak Aharonovitch and officials from the Energy Ministry and the World Zionist Organization accompanied Lieberman on his tour.

Goel Beno contributed to the report