The Implications of Drastic Change for Infrastructure Planning Goals: Immigration Stress in Israel

Most infrastructure planning assumes continuous dynamics. This paper is about the case where demand grows as a result of drastic, noncontinuous exogenous change and, in particular, sudden massive immigration. Through a discussion of the current issues facing Israel in absorbing the recent immigration wave, the authors argue that drastic change leads to a shift in planning criteria. Economic development and basic requirements take precedence over welfare maximization. Such a shift requires that different models be developed and used.