The cabinet today approved NIS 650 million for the construction of a new residential building in Jerusalem for the prime minister. The building, which will be located opposite the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will include residential quarters for the prime minister and his or her family, conference rooms and offices. Planning will be completed this year and construction will take several years.
Construction of the new prime minister's residence was approved by a large majority with only four ministers voting against the plan - Minister of Education, Yuli Tamir, Minister of Finance Ronnie Bar-On, Minister of Environmental Protection Gideon Ezra, and Minister of Negev and Galilee Affairs Yaakov Edri.
In the proposal submitted to the cabinet by the Prime Minister's Office, it was claimed that the new residence and adjoining offices will form part of the new national complex comprising the Supreme Court and the Knesset.
The NIS 650 million cost in planning and building the new prime minister's residence will be spread over 20 years. The new building will also alleviate the current overcrowded conditions endured by the prime minister's staff.
Published by Globes [online], Israel business news - www.globes-online.com - on February 8, 2009
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