Ladaat.net is reporting that yesterday there was a ceremony in which Minister of Interior Eli Yishai officially approved the expansion of the city of Bet Shemesh by 2000 dunam.

The expanded territory is meant to be used for additional "industrial zone" sections to be added to the city. With the city growing so rapidly, with the expectations of reaching an estimated population of about 200,000 in the coming years, expanding the industrial zones is considered a crucial move in planning for the future. The new industrial zones will be needed both to provide services to such a large population, as well as a means of employment and commerce. As well, bringing more business and factories to the city will be an influx of money to the coffers of the Iryah, in the form of arnona payments.