The National Committee, the national committee for planning and building preferred housing areas, was established in 2014 with the aim of promoting residential plans of national priority. The committee operates as an objective body that shortens the approval times for construction plans, consolidating the regular procedures of local and regional committees into one stage. Its work processes are defined in a clear timeline, allowing it to complete all approval stages within 24 months.
The National Committee can approve plans intended for areas declared by the government, with a requirement for a minimum of 500 housing units. Its composition includes representatives from various government ministries, the Israel Land Authority, and representatives of local authorities. Since its establishment, the committee has approved over 100,000 housing units, while facing criticism regarding its work processes, but it claims to adhere to high standards. Recently, the committee has also begun to engage in urban renewal projects, following an amendment to the law that expanded its powers.