The Binyamin Regional Council and the settlement of Ofra, in partnership with Hebrew University's Cave Research Center and the Society for the Protection of Nature, have launched the planning of a major subterranean tourism site around the Jubilee Cave. The project aims to become one of Israel's flagship attractions, with an estimated 200,000 annual visitors, featuring a glass elevator descending 80 meters into Israel's tallest underground hall, rappelling routes, and a visitor center. The cave is part of Israel's largest karst field. Planning is in early stages, with an estimated cost of tens of millions of shekels.
The Binyamin Regional Council, the settlement of Ofra, and Hebrew University's Cave Research Center have launched the planning of a major tourism project centered on the Jubilee Cave, The Zioneer reported Tuesday at 13:32. The newest development — a formal partnership with the university's cave researchers and the Society for the Protection of Nature's Ofra Field School — advances a story first disclosed Tuesday at 12:36 (Jerusalem times), when initial reports revealed the existence of a previously secret, enormous stalactite cave near Ofra.
As The Zioneer reported Tuesday at 12:36, an initial report by Ariel Kahana in Israel Hayom described a 'secret, enormous stalactite cave' near Ofra slated for a large underground tourism initiative. The current planning phase adds specific details: a glass elevator descending 80 meters into Israel's tallest underground hall, rappelling routes, accessible trails, a visitor center, and virtual reality exhibits. The cave, part of Israel's largest karst field, features a 40-meter-high hall with rare stalactites and stalagmites, including alabaster stone. Hebrew University researchers described it as a discovery comparable in significance to the Soreq Cave (Me'arat HaNetifim) and Rosh HaNikra.
Attributed background: As The Zioneer's topic page notes, the West Bank — historically Judea and Samaria — is a central theater of Israeli security operations and Jewish settlement, where infrastructure and tourism development continues alongside security challenges. The Ofra Field School noted the Jubilee Cave joins an existing network of known caves, including the Chinese Pit opened to hikers since the mid-1980s.
The project remains in early planning stages. Estimated cost is tens of millions of shekels; Ofra and the Binyamin Council are seeking additional partners. Concrete design timelines, financing commitments, and regulatory approvals have not been announced.
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