Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has announced the formation of a steering committee headed by Tourism Minister Yariv Levin to explore the possibility of allowing casinos in the southern resort city of Eilat.
The decision comes after a special top-level meeting to discuss the issue, which is being considered in order “to save the city of Eilat from economic failure and to create thousands of jobs,” according to a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office.
Netanyahu reportedly favors casinos that would be open to foreign tourists only. A Tourism Ministry proposal, however, calls for the casino to also be open to Israeli citizens.
The steering committee will be made up of Levin, Prime Minister’s Office director Eli Groner, the director of the Transportation Ministry, and representatives from the Finance, Justice, Public Security and Interior ministries, as well as the mayor of Eilat.
Earlier in the day, the Jewish Home, Shas and UTJ factions said they would oppose any plan to allow gambling in Eilat.
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