Abandoned army bases could be used for residential purposes instead of laying neglected and becoming garbage dumps. In response to the wave of protests over rising house costs, earlier this week Defense Minister Ehud Barak said he believes the military bases evacuated by the army could be handed over for civilian use. However the solution is not that easy. Some years ago the army turned over 55 bases to the Israel Lands Authority to use the land for other purposes. At the time the Finance Ministry agreed to provide funds but the decision was never implemented. Other bases evacuated by the army still remain in its possession. Some are located in prime urban areas where land for housing is in short supply.
