Israel set for $28-bn infrastructure spending boost

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Sunday his office would soon publish a multi-year infrastructure spending plan worth more than 100 billion shekel. Speaking at the start of Israel’s weekly cabinet meeting, Netanyahu said the planned projects would include private sector investment. Bank of Governor Karnit Flug told the meeting that improving public transport infrastructure would be one area of investment. “The level of infrastructure in Israel is insufficient, particularly in the area of public transportation, and mainly in the major cities, but also in the electricity delivery system and in communication infrastructure,” Flug told ministers. Flug said the government should set up a special unit to specialise in the management and monitoring of public-private partnership (PPP) tenders and contracts.