Four tax-paying factories already operate in the commercial and industrial area being transferred.
Minister of the Interior Gideon Sa'ar has signed a directive transferring 3,000 dunam (750 acres) of land zoned for commercial and industrial space from the Matte Yehuda Regional Council to the Beit Shemesh Municipality, in order to strengthen the town's economy. Four tax-paying factories already operate in the area being transferred.
Sa'ar's decision comes after a long battle between Beit Shemesh Mayor Moshe Abutbol and Matte Yehuda Mayor Moshe Dadon over jurisdiction of the land. Former Minister of the Interior Eli Yishai failed to reach a decision on the case, and it was put before the Supreme Court, before Abutbol and Dadon settled the dispute in January 2012.
Under the agreement, the Hartov A industrial zone will remain within the jurisdiction of Matte Yehuda, and several lots in the Hartov B industrial zone, occupied by four factories and a quarry, as well as undeveloped agricultural land, will be transferred to Beit Shemesh. Beit Shemesh agreed not to demand the expansion of its borders or additional revenue from Matte Yehuda for 15 years, or to turn to the court over differences in arnona (local property tax) between the municipality and the regional council.
Published by Globes [online], Israel business news - www.globes-online.com - on November 11, 2013
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