There is an article in the Jewish News Syndicate which says that it is.
https://www.jns.org/israeli-scientists-simulate-mars-environment-at-secret-location-in-israels-negev/

Truly the whole world comes to Israel, and Israel is a microcosm of the world!  YHVH God’s chosen land to become His and His Israeli people’s inheritance — in that Day.  Not the land of Israel only, but the whole Earth and the whole of the Universe will be restored to the Kingdom of God, who created and made them!

In any case, meanwhile, Israel is working with others around the world in preparing for making a move to Mars some day.  Should anyone  wind up going to live on Mars, he will take his sin with him.  Thank God that He has a better idea to make life more habitable for a much longer time — even on this Earth!  Even so, come, Lord Jesus!