Israel Advances Plans for New City 'Meshar Yehuda' Near Jerusalem

An additional 370 dunams (approximately 91 acres) of state land have been designated for the establishment of Meshar Yehuda, a new city planned near Jerusalem. This brings the total area allocated for the project to 3,750 dunams (approximately 927 acres). Concurrently, the first master plan for the city is being advanced, which includes approximately 3,600 housing units.

The designation of the land, announced on Monday, is part of efforts led by Minister Betzalel Smotrich and the Gush Etzion Regional Council, headed by Yaron Rosenthal. The establishment of Meshar Yehuda, located in the northeastern Gush Etzion area, aims to strengthen the Jerusalem envelope and provide housing solutions for young couples.

The Ministerial Committee for Political-Security Affairs declared the establishment of Meshar Yehuda in February 2023. Since then, various administrative steps have been taken, including the approval of the municipal boundaries by the Central Command General, the assignment of a settlement number by the Ministry of Interior, and the publication of an additional 3,380 dunams of state land in December 2025.

Minister Smotrich described the announcement as a "critical step for settlement," stating it will enable the creation of a large city with tens of thousands of housing units and significantly bolster the area east of Jerusalem. He emphasized that the project addresses the housing shortage, particularly for young couples seeking proximity to Jerusalem.

Yaron Rosenthal added that the new city will aid in expanding settlement in the Gush Etzion and Ma'ale Adumim areas, alongside the addition of thousands of housing units. He noted that the land designation will facilitate significant urban planning progress.