A check by the Association of Contractors and Builders in Israel showed that land to be abandoned by Israel in Gaza was worth $1 billion.
The “Yediot Ahronot” Hebrew daily reports that a construction and infrastructures company from a Persian Gulf country is interested in developing areas to be abandoned by Israel under the disengagement plan. Inquiries from the Persian Gulf have been made with agencies in the Palestinian Authority (PA) and with the Association of Contractors and Builders in Israel (ACBI). The inquiries asked for a financial assessment of the land to be abandoned. A check by the Association of Contractors and Builders in Israel showed that the land was worth $1 billion.
ACBI director-general Yehuda Segev confirmed the report, saying, “Inquiries were received from companies in Bahrain, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, and Kuwait looking for investment opportunities. I believe that Israeli security forces realize that new construction in the region could reduce violence and incitement. It cannot be ruled out that Persian Gulf companies could obtain a permit to enter PA territory.”
The Persian Gulf companies asked whether Israel would demolish the homes of the evicted Israelis, and whether the land in the Gaza Strip is attractive for construction. ACBI president Samuel Olpiner said, “There are many construction opportunities in the area. It is close to the sea. I believe that the Gazan coast could eventually become an attractive residential district for wealthy people in the PA much more attractive than the West Bank.”
Published by Globes [online] - www.globes.co.il - on November 1, 2004