A significant development for Israeli tourism and the city of Ashkelon is moving forward as the “Golf Hub – North Coast” plan – promoted by the Israel Land Authority (ILA), the Ministry of Tourism, and the Ashkelon Municipality—was discussed today at the Southern District Planning and Building Committee hearing for objections.

The ambitious plan covers an area of approximately 1,400 dunams (about 346 acres) in the northwestern part of Ashkelon and is designed to establish a mixed-use golf and vacation center that combines residential, hotel, and leisure facilities.

Key features of the massive project include: 18-Hole Golf Course and Club: Dedicated to sports and recreation across roughly 600 dunams (148 acres); A hotel or multiple hotels totaling 650 hospitality units across approximately 140 dunams (35 acres); Approximately 1,140 housing units within a golf-managed residential area, plus an additional 120 smaller, affordable units; Approximately 5,000 square meters of tourist-oriented commercial space, a convention center, performance halls, public buildings, and large open spaces spanning 276 dunams (68 acres).

Minister of Tourism Haim Katz hailed the project’s approval as a major win: “This is a significant announcement for the city of Ashkelon and for Israeli tourism”, he stated. “The golf plan, along with the 650 hotel units and residences, brings a new and high-quality tourism product to the city, which will lead to increased demand for vacations in the South and to economic growth in the region”.

Yaacov Quint, Director of the Israel Land Authority (ILA), emphasized the long-term investment. “The Authority continues to invest significant resources in creating substantial growth engines in the area. The northwestern part of Ashkelon has great tourism potential, and we are working with our partners to realize it through a combined plan of residential, hotel, and leisure facilities – a move that will strengthen the city’s economy and create hundreds of new jobs”.

The project, which was designed by Architect Ohad Ben Dayan of “Ohad Ben Dayan Architects and City Planners Ltd.”, is strategically located near the Barnea and Kiryat Yam neighborhoods, close to the Nitzanim and Avtah nature reserves, creating a unique blend of development within a spectacular natural environment.