Solel Boneh

   Literally, "paves and builds." A road-building and construction company belonging to the Histadrut. During the Arab riots in Palestine from 1936 to 1939, Solel Boneh helped build farm settlements, pave security roads, construct airfields, and erect fortifications. During World War II, it helped the British army pave roads and construct airfields, bridges, and army camps in Palestine and the surrounding region. Solel Boneh subsidiaries supply much of the Israeli national demand for stone, gravel, marble, and cement, as well as most of its plumbing and bathroom fittings. The company employs many factory workers in its various enterprises. Its activities have become international, and since the 1960s, considerable contract work has been carried out in Africa. Its overseas activities are often coordinated with Mashav, the international development assistance arm of the Israel Foreign Ministry. See also ECONOMY; FOREIGN POLICY; INDUSTRY.