The government has approved plans to build a new defense complex on the site of the former United Nations Relief and Works Agency headquarters near Ammunition Hill in East Jerusalem. The project will include a museum dedicated to the Israel Defense Forces, an enlistment office, and an office for the defense minister on a nine acre property.

According to a joint statement from the Defense Ministry and the Jerusalem municipality, the development is intended to strengthen the defense establishment’s presence in the capital. Defense Minister Israel Katz described the decision as one of sovereignty, Zionism, and security, saying it sends a clear message about Israel’s commitment to Jerusalem.

Katz accused the United Nations agency of being linked to Hamas and said replacing its former compound with Israeli defense institutions symbolizes a shift from what he called terror and incitement to national strength. Israel began demolishing the site in January following years of legislative action against the agency and allegations of its involvement in the October 7, 2023 attacks.

The plan follows a December agreement between the Defense Ministry and the Jerusalem municipality to expand defense headquarters in the city and relocate military colleges to the capital as part of a broader effort to deepen the military’s footprint there.