The Israeli government has pledged to continue building up Jerusalem. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said “the heart of the nation” would receive more than US$ 115 million in investment. The Cabinet on Sunday approved the Merom Development Plan, an economic plan to strengthen Jerusalem through tourism and high-tech, during a meeting at the Tower of David Museum in Jerusalem. "The government and the people are bound as one to build up Jerusalem, the heart of the nation, and this commitment to Jerusalem 'that is bound together' [Psalm 122:3], is one of the foundations of the unity of the Jewish people," Netanyahu said in announcing the plan.
"It is important the entire world knows, that the Jewish people and our friends around the world stand together, faithful to Jerusalem and our heritage, steadfast in their positions, insisting on our security and extending a hand in genuine peace to our neighbors," he declared.
Netanyahu explained that under the plan, Jerusalem would become a "global biotechnology center." The plan will provide grants for building start-ups, upgrading laboratory infrastructures for joint use by small and medium-sized companies, continued financing for the 'Bio Jerusalem' program, grants for services companies, and incentives for biotech initiatives. Jerusalem will also be added to the list of assistance areas in which scholarships are given for the first year of post high-school study, for students who are discharged soldiers or national service graduates. In addition, Israel’s Tourism Ministry will designate another US$ 21.5 million for the construction of additional hotels in Jerusalem.
