Sha'ar Hanegev (Israel)

The Sha'ar HaNegev Regional Council (Hebrew: מועצה אזורית שער הנגב, Mo'atza Azorit Sha'ar HaNegev, lit. Gate of the Negev Regional Council), is a regional council in the north-western Negev, in Israel's Southern District. The Regional Council's territory lies midway between Beersheba and Ashkelon, bounded on the west by the Gaza Strip. The eastern border abuts Bnei Shimon. The city of Sderot forms an enclave within Sha'ar HaNegev. The region's population is over 6,000, and covers an area of over 45,000 acres (approx. 180 km2 or 70 sq. mi.). The average elevation is approximately 180 m (495 ft.) above sea level. Sha'ar HaNegev Regional Council is in a sister city relationship with San Diego, California, in the United States of America, and has a close working relationship with the Jewish Federation of San Diego County.