Bnei Ayish is a town near Ashdod. A new development plan will add over 5,700 new homes, increasing the population from about 6,500 people to nearly 25,000. The project has recently moved into the marketing stage, drawing public attention.

Bnei Ayish is not alone. Beit Dagan, near Ben Gurion Airport, is also expanding. More than 2,500 new homes are planned, which will more than double its population. The project also includes offices and commercial space, helping create jobs and local services.

Experts explain that this kind of growth brings both opportunity and challenge. On one hand, it can mean better transportation, more schools, stronger local economies, and improved services. On the other hand, if growth is too fast or poorly planned, towns can suffer from traffic, lack of infrastructure, and tension between long time residents and newcomers.

Urban planners stress that successful growth requires careful planning. This includes building schools, roads, public spaces, and community centers before residents move in, offering a mix of housing types, and helping new and existing residents integrate into one shared community.

If managed correctly, these towns can grow without losing their character, offering a strong quality of life while becoming more connected and developed. In the coming years, many Israeli towns are expected to follow this path, reshaping where and how people live across the country.

Based on Globes article by Yuval Nisani, “Israeli small towns to transform into cities,” published January 26, 2026.
https://en.globes.co.il/en/article-israeli-small-towns-transform-into-cities-1001533079