Jerusalem [Israel]: The Israeli Ministry of Defense and the IDF Home Front Command have signed a major agreement with the Ministry of Finance to construct approximately 10,000 new reinforced rooms, serving as bomb shelters, in civilian areas within 1–5 kilometers (up to 3 miles) of the Lebanese border. This initiative is part of the “Northern Shield” project aimed at bolstering defense infrastructure in northern Israel.
Following the ceasefire in Lebanon, construction on around 1,700 bomb shelters in settlements near the border has already begun under the Ministry of Defense’s engineering and construction department.
At a ceremony held on Sunday morning at the IDF Home Front Command, the Ministries of Defense and Finance, along with the IDF, announced an acceleration of the project. The agreement involves a budget of 1.2 billion Shekels ($330 million).
Under the plan, 875 million Shekels ($240.9 million) will be allocated to a “self-realization” route, enabling residents of 28 settlements near the border to establish personal reinforced medical centers within their homes. Each household can receive a grant of up to 132,000 Shekels ($36,360) to implement these upgrades.
This initiative underscores Israel’s commitment to enhancing civilian safety in its northern regions amid ongoing security concerns near the Lebanese border.