The ministry is demanding external financing to vacate and move the base.
The Ministry of Defense has stated that it is prepared to vacate the Israel Navy base in Eilat, provided that external financing is provided to vacate and move the base to an alternative site.
The Eilat municipality and tourism groups in the town have sought for years to move the Navy base, which is located on land held by the Israel Ports Authority.
Moving the base is a prerequisite for developing major tourist projects and attractions planned for the area. The Eilat municipality, Ministry of Tourism, Israel Land Administration, and the Israel Hotels Association are the main groups urging the removal of the Navy base.
Published by Globes [online] - www.globes.co.il - on July 11, 2004