Spatial Planning and Policy in Israel
The Cases of Netanya and Umm al-Fahm
This report examines spatial planning and policies in Israel. It describes the laws,
policies and practices in the country as a whole, and provides a detailed assessment
of arrangements and practices in two cities: Netanya, a fast-growing city on the Mediterranean
coast; and Umm al-Fahm, the country’s third-largest city with a predominantly Arab
population. Israel recently carried out a major reform of its land-use planning system,
largely to address a housing shortage that has become critical. Detailed case studies
highlight the trends and challenges faced in both cities and describe how policies
designed at the national level affect local land-use issues. The report offers recommendations
on how to strengthen the effectiveness of the spatial planning system and related
policies to ensure that land is used in an effective and sustainable way.
Published on August 14, 2017
In series:OECD Regional Development Studiesview more titles