The Knesset Internal Affairs and Environment Committee headed by Minister of the Interior Ayelet Shaked has authorized an increase in urban density in Israel's towns and cities aimed at bringing densification to a similar level to that in major urban centers in the world.
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Urban densification in Israel currently stands at 8,565 persons per square kilometer in Tel Aviv, 7,186 in Jerusalem, and 4,346 in Haifa and is considered relatively low compared to Europe and the United States. The average densification in Athens for example is more than two times higher than that in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem.
A statement issued by the committee following the authorization of the move, said: "This is a planning and environmental revolution that will have a direct effect on urban quality of life. Higher densification is a prerequisite for better and more varied urban services within residential neighborhoods, such as better public transport and more institutions, and encourages people to walk and cycle. For example, densification of 20,000 to 30,000 persons per square kilometer is required to justify rail-based transportation systems and enables a reduction in the use of motor vehicles, more convenient mobility, and reduced air pollution."
Shaked welcomed the new measures, saying: "As part of our preparations for the doubling of the country's population, the l committee today authorized an important move to increase density in towns and cities. This change will bring about a significant increase in housing units within the urban sphere. While relying on efficient mass transportation systems. I have instructed the planning authority to promote the necessary changes in the rural sector and these will be bought for discussion as soon as possible.
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Planning Administration Director-General Dalit Zilber said: "The changes to Zoning Plan 35 will lead to a revolution and reorganization of the urban space in a way that will lead to increased quality of life for residents. We want to see an urban space that is active throughout all hours of the day, providing maximum accessibility to public transportation and urban services."
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