Gal Naor to Invest 150 Million Shekels in Hamat Gader Resort Expansion
Gal Naor, daughter of Yitzchak Tshuva, is acquiring a 70% stake in Hamat Gader for 150 million shekels. The plan includes expanding accommodations to 170 units and upgrading thermal baths.
The Hamat Gader hot springs resort in the southern Golan Heights is undergoing a major rehabilitation and expansion plan, backed by businesswoman Gal Naor, daughter of billionaire Yitzchak Tshuva. Naor is acquiring a 70% stake in the operating company for approximately 150 million shekels, while four surrounding kibbutzim—Mevo Hama, Kfar Haruv, Afik, and Meitsar—will retain the remaining 30%. The multi-million-shekel investment aims to revive the tourist attraction, which has suffered severe losses due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the ongoing war.
The master plan focuses on expanding the resort's hospitality offerings from the current 31 suites at the Spa Village hotel to approximately 170 accommodation units, based on building rights approved back in 2018. Alongside the new rooms, the project includes a comprehensive upgrade of the thermal-mineral baths, infrastructure, spa facilities, and guest services. Project leaders aim to elevate Hamat Gader to international standards, modeling it after leading hot spring resorts worldwide while preserving daily visitor access alongside overnight stays.
Financial Overhaul and Entry Fees
The massive capital injection comes after a particularly challenging business period. In June 2024, the site was forced to temporarily close and lay off dozens of employees after accumulating steep monthly losses following the outbreak of the war. With the new partnership, the management aims to diversify revenue streams by heavily boosting the hospitality sector. However, industry insiders note that the extensive upgrades will likely result in higher ticket prices for daily visitors, though pricing structures and potential resident discounts are yet to be finalized.
It is important to note that the transaction involves only the operating rights of the commercial tourist site. The land itself remains under the ownership of the Israel Land Authority (ILA), and the adjacent antiquities site and Roman baths are managed separately by the Israel Nature and Parks Authority. Meanwhile, the popular nearby free thermal pool, Ein Jones, will remain open to the general public following local council assurances.
Broader Tourism Strategy
For Gal Naor's group, the Hamat Gader acquisition marks a stepping stone into broader investments within Israel's tourism and nature hospitality sector. Industry sources indicate that the group plans to evaluate further acquisitions of unique natural assets that can be developed into upscale boutique resorts. The success of the Hamat Gader overhaul will heavily depend on the pace of tourism recovery in Israel's northern region and the ability to balance luxury hospitality upgrades with public accessibility.
