An Israeli subcommittee approved a development plan for the Galilee Sea and its environs on June 30. The National Planning Committee is expected to adopt the plan soon, opening the way to the much-needed development of the area after decades of neglect, addressing bureaucratic obstacles and protecting sensitive ecological areas.

The Sea of Galilee region offers visitors an exceptional experience with a unique natural habitat, beautiful pebble beaches, water attractions, archeological digs and Christian holy sites. The east bank of the Galilee Sea, which is actually a lake, looks over Israel’s border with the Hashemite Kingdom.

The Galilee Sea — Kinneret, as it is called in Hebrew, after its violin shape — is the only natural freshwater lake in the country, and its history is long and rich. The site of Nahal Ein Gev, three kilometers east of the lake, contains a village from the late Natufian period. The hot springs of Hamat Gader, five miles southeast of the lake, were built by the Romans 2,000 years ago and are still functioning. Another attraction is an ancient wooden boat discovered in 1986 and dated to the period of Jesus. Christian pilgrimage sites include the village of Capernaum on the old road that led from Tiberias to Damascus, as well as places where Jesus performed some of his miracles according to the New Testament, such as walking on water. There are plenty of reasons for tourists from Israel and abroad to visit.

Over the years, the authorities have fought with entrepreneurs who took control of the beaches and made them profitable private tourism enterprises. Buildings were constructed all around the lake with little thought to protecting the environment.