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Right to Public Housing — Waiting List and How to Apply in Eilat
Low-income families with long residency can apply for public housing. Average wait: 8-15 years, but special eligible groups receive priority.
About Eilat
Eilat, the southern port city on the Red Sea, hosts a small Israeli-Ethiopian community with a presence in the hospitality and services sectors. Eilat's real-estate market is unique in its VAT exemption on property purchases, attracting investors and buyers from across the country.
What is Public Housing?
State-owned apartments (Amidar/Amigour) rented at subsidised prices (~20-30% of market rate) to low-income families.
Who Qualifies?
Israeli resident for at least 12 years; no property ownership; income below threshold (by family size). Priority: severe physical disability, homeless elderly, family with disabled child.
Average Wait Time
8-15 years nationally. Apply regardless — the clock starts from application date.
Special Priority for Ethiopian Immigrants
Falashmura and Operation Solomon olim may have priority on the waiting list under special government decree — check with Ministry of Aliyah.
📞 Amidar: 03-9533333 | Ministry of Housing: *5442
Ethiopian community in Eilat
- Community population
- ~1,500
- Share of city
- ~3%
- Main neighbourhoods
- מרכז, צפון אילת
- Community services
- ENP
More rights in Eilat
This right in other cities
FAQ — Eilat
- How many Ethiopian-Israelis live in Eilat?
- The Ethiopian-Israeli community in Eilat numbers approximately ~1,500 residents — around ~3% of the city's population. Main neighbourhoods: מרכז, צפון אילת.
- How do I claim Right to Public Housing — Waiting List and How to Apply in Eilat?
- Apply via the Government Housing Authority website or the local Ministry of Construction office in Eilat. For support: ENP.
- What community support is available in Eilat for this right?
- In Eilat, the following organisations can assist with paperwork, translation and entitlement: ENP.
Related rights
Free Mortgage Counselling — Guide for Those Entitled
The Ministry of Housing funds free mortgage counselling for housing benefit recipients. A certified adviser saves tens of thousands of ILS in interest.
Mortgage for Ethiopian Israelis — Community Mortgage, 600,000 ILS
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Military Discharge Benefits for Ethiopian-Israeli Veterans
Ethiopian-Israeli discharged soldiers are entitled to a discharge grant of up to 120,000 ILS, an education scholarship, mortgage points, and preference in civil service.
Direct Absorption — Falash Mura 2026 Pilot
2026 pilot — Falash Mura olim placed directly into housing rather than absorption centers. Rolling out in cities with established community support frameworks. First direct-absorption deployment for the community.