Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Shalom Simhon today submitted his plan for the rezoning of agricultural land to Minister of Justice Meir Sheetrit . Simhon's plan is an attempt to reach a mutually acceptable compromise on the issue.
The main feature of Simhon's proposal is that the farmers will receive 20% of the value of rezoned agricultural land in the central region, similar to the Ronen committee's recommendations and in contrast to the Milgrom committee recommendations of 10% compensation in the central region. Simhon's proposed 29% compensation for outlying areas is also similar to the Ronen committee's recommendations.
Simhon also proposed that 15% of the State's revenue from the rezoning of agricultural land be designated for a fund for social goals in the outlying settlements. The funds will invest in physical and human infrastructure in outlying settlements, including cities, development towns, and agricultural settlements in need.
According to Simhon's plan, settlements will be accorded priority in purchasing rezoned land. The settlements will be able to buy 30% of the land at a cost to be determined by the government assessor.
Regarding settlement expansion, Simhon is proposing to make the settlements responsible for their own expansion. He said it was unreasonable that this process be managed by external parties, without long-standing residents having control over the expansion and the choice of who would join the settlement.
Published by Israel's Business Arena on November 5, 2001