38
31°3′25″N / 34°50′48″E
November 22, 2011. Earthworks in the construction of the Ariel Sharon Training Complex. Each of the separate tiers, graded above the desert floor, encircled by dirt paths that will become the main artery, is to support the foundation of a new building within the complex. Unofficially named ‛Ir HaBahadim (lit., “city of training bases”), this mega-base is currently under construction between the development town of Yeruḥam and Beersheba, and is projected to become the Negev’s third largest city. Planned for 30,000 army personnel, it is scheduled to open in 2015 (see 25).