The government will examine two options for building the highway: BOT or from the State budget.
The government today approved the building of a 17-km northern segment of the Cross-Israel highway. Seven ministers voted in favor; five against - Minister of Environment Dalia Itzik, Ministers Yossi Beilin, Shimon Peres, Michael Melchior and acting Minister of Health Roni Milo.
Itzik said that future generation swill decry the decision and this it will seriously damage the environment. At the end of the cabinet meeting, Itzik announced that the struggle against the Highway is not over. She said that the struggle to minimize the Highway's damage would continue at full strength.
It is estimated that the cost of building of the segment will be NIS 450 million. NIS 112 million will be invested in environmental solutions, including 1.8 kms. of bridges and two 300 m. tunnels.
The cabinet also decided to examine two financing options for the Highway: BOT or through the State budget.
Published by Israel's Business Arena on 20 August 2000