Israel’s largest medical center is heading south: Sheba Medical Center is officially launching the development of the Shimon Peres Medical Center in Be’er Sheva. Designed to be an internationally recognized center of excellence, the hospital will integrate artificial intelligence, precision medicine, and cutting-edge clinical care from day one.
A national strategy for transforming the healthcare landscape
Approved by the Israeli government in May 2024, this flagship project represents a strategic commitment to closing healthcare gaps and strengthening the country’s southern region. The new hospital will be co-owned by the Meuhedet and Leumit health funds, with operations managed by Sheba Negev Ltd., a company formed to apply Sheba’s experience in building next-generation healthcare systems.
Professor Orly Weinstein, a highly respected physician and public health executive, was appointed last week to lead the development. With decades of experience in national healthcare leadership, she is expected to guide the project through its critical stages. Sheba’s search committee cited her exceptional management skills and vision for driving complex national initiatives.
“Not just a hospital – a new model for Israeli public healthcare”
“Sheba’s vision for the Negev is bold and transformative,” said Professor Yitzhak Kreiss, Director of Sheba Medical Center. “The Shimon Peres Medical Center will not only deliver state-of-the-art care, but also serve as a model for what advanced, innovative public medicine can be — serving everyone in the South, and drawing top talent from across the country and abroad.”
The project’s scope extends well beyond healthcare. The hospital will be the heart of a dynamic medical ecosystem, surrounded by a planned industrial park, advanced transport networks, and dedicated space for research, biotech startups, and medical education. Construction is set to begin in the coming years, with the center positioned to become a magnet for healthcare professionals, researchers, and educators seeking to be part of something visionary — and vital to Israel’s future.
