According to official reports, Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu has announced an incentive-based plan to bring Israelis living abroad back to Israel.

The Jerusalem Post reported on Sunday that during Sunday's cabinet meeting, the prime minister outlined a plan to bring back 750,000 Israelis living abroad, 15,000 a year, through education benefits, tax breaks, medical assistance and national insurance benefits.

Netanyahu said, "This is very important, because these people are, first of all, our bone and our flesh. Their absorption and economic integration, upon their return, is usually very quick. Naturally, they have the same national background and they know the language and culture."

During the cabinet meeting, the prime minister also discussed laying a pipeline in the Haifa Bay, opposed by the Druse community in the area.

The prime minister explained, referring to Druse opposition to the plan, "We have decided to lay the pipeline, I hope by agreement and understanding with the Druse community. What is most important is the general welfare. We made the decision, and we are carrying it out for the benefit of everyone."

At the risk of offending the Orthodox Jews in Ashkelon, Netanyahu told of his decision to build a fortified emergency room.

He further said, "After the Second Lebanon War, it was decided to build a bombproof emergency room adjacent to the hospital. There is an important ultra-Orthodox population that sees itself hurt by this decision, but here as well, after checks, we reached the conclusion that it must be carried out." (With Inputs from Agencies)