Nahal Rakat, which became a flowing stream several years ago but is still largely unknown to the public, is set to become a new tourist attraction in Tiberias. With a budget of NIS 3 million, the Tiberias Municipality and the Kinneret Drainage and Streams Authority, funded by the ILA – the Open Spaces Fund, have launched a rehabilitation and development project for Nahal Rakat and the Kozer Springs section leading to the Sea of Galilee.
The unique project aims to create continuous pedestrian connectivity from the city of Tiberias, through Nahal Rakat, to the Sea of Galilee, linking the city’s new neighborhoods and providing access to natural spaces for residents and visitors alike.
A New Promenade Along the Stream Slope
As part of the tourism development, a sophisticated promenade system will be built along the slope of the stream adjacent to the new neighborhoods. From it, extensive walking trails will descend to scenic spots along the stream, and seating areas will be developed to provide a nature-based leisure experience. This connection will integrate with the Sea of Galilee Circumferential Trail, which already surrounds 85% of the lake, and the Israel National Trail passes nearby the project area.
“The project symbolizes the interaction between new construction and Nahal Rakat and is part of the municipality’s urban renewal efforts and the planned expansion of Tiberias to 120,000 residents over the next 15 years,” said Tiberias Mayor Yossi Naba. He added, “The project emphasizes the connection between the stream and the neighborhood, creating infrastructure, including a proper promenade, preserving the stream, and providing organized accessibility to it.”
Rehabilitation of Ecological Systems
The project, managed by Kinneret Drainage and Streams Authority engineer Oshri YiIuz and designed by Ligam Environmental Projects, also includes extensive environmental aspects. Work will be carried out to preserve and rehabilitate ecological systems and biodiversity in Nahal Rakat and Enot Qozer, including addressing existing hydrobiological barriers along the stream, restoring vegetation and eucalyptus along the banks, and controlling invasive species.
Tzvika Slutzky, CEO of the Kinneret Drainage and Streams Authority, explained: “As a water source for the Sea of Galilee and due to its proximity to Tiberias, Nahal Rakat, flowing from the Arbel Valley to the national lake, becomes part of a tourism complex and a national asset. Its rehabilitation will expand walking and tourism opportunities, preserve the stream, and strengthen the surrounding natural area and ecological system around the city.”
Part of a Broad National Plan
The project is part of a larger ILA plan for rehabilitating and making natural sites accessible. Yanki Quint, Director of the Israel Lands Authority and Chairman of the Open Spaces Preservation Fund, noted: “The project at Nahal Rakat and Kozer Springs reflects the balance the authority seeks to maintain between real estate development and the preservation and nurturing of natural sites and open spaces in our country.”
He added that at the beginning of the year, a budget of approximately NIS 400 million was approved for 165 projects across the country, of which about NIS 150 million are intended for rehabilitating areas damaged during the war.
Nahal Rakat flows from the Arbel Valley to the Sea of Galilee through a canyon section south of Kfar Chittim, and later between Mount Arbel and the northern neighborhoods of Tiberias. In the lower section of the stream, one can find Tel Rakat, historical sites, and ancient graves at the foot of Mount Arbel.