Israel considers building artificial islands

JERUSALEM - The Associated Press

An aerial view of the 321 meter tall Burj Al-Arab (L) luxury hotel built on an artificial island off Jumeirah in the Gulf emirate of Dubai. AFP Photo

Israeli politicians are floating an idea to expand their seaside country: Artificial islands.

The Cabinet voted today to explore options for creating artificial islands to make room for infrastructure like water treatment plants, power plants and an airport.

Most of Israel's 8 million people living in a narrow strip along the Mediterranean coast, and the country is running out of space there. Most Israelis live in apartment buildings, and even cemeteries are beginning to bury the dead in multi-level structures.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says manmade islands could bolster Israel's economy, ensure its security and protect what little open space remains in the center of the country.

A government committee will present more specific proposals within a year, according to the Cabinet decision.