Israel Ashdod Photos

Ashdod is the fifth-largest city in Israel, located in the Southern District of the country, on the Mediterranean coast. Ashdod is an important regional industrial centre. The Port of Ashdod is Israels largest port accounting for 60% of the country's imported goods.The first documented settlement in Ashdod dates to the Canaanite culture of 17th century BC,making the city one of the oldest in the world. Ashdod is mentioned thirteen times in the Bible. During its history the city was settled by Philistines, Israelites, Byzantines, Crusaders and Arabs. Modern Ashdod was established in 1956 on the sand hills near the site of the ancient town, and incorporated as a city in 1968. Being a planned city, expansion followed a main development plan, which facilitated traffic and prevented air pollution in the residential areas.Ashdod is the fifth largest city in Israel. All photos by Rafael Ben-Ari/Chameleons Eye