First Families Settle New 'Makda' Outpost on Abandoned IDF Base

The first families have settled in the new Israeli outpost of 'Makda' (also known as Doron), located in the Hebron Regional Council, near the settlement of Adura. The outpost was established on the site of a former Israel Defense Forces (IDF) military post that was abandoned 21 years ago.

At a ceremony marking the establishment of the new settlement, Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich stated that the move is part of a "settlement revolution" and a "historic and significant step." He asserted that the outpost strengthens Israel's security buffer and warned against a left-wing government that might dismantle settlements and establish a Palestinian state. Smotrich thanked the settlement administration and the head of the Hebron Regional Council for their efforts.

Settlement Minister Orit Strock described the establishment of Makda as another milestone in a "great national return process" where the "people of Israel are rebuilding their land." She emphasized that the strength to fulfill this vision comes from the Israeli people's choice for life, the Land of Israel, and settlement.

The new settlement joins 'Carmei Yehuda,' which was settled by families last week. These initiatives aim to create a continuous settlement bloc from Eshkolot in southern Mount Hebron to Telam and Adura, laying the groundwork for a new settlement bloc in the area.

Eliram Azulai, head of the Hebron Regional Council, noted that Makda signifies the beginning of a new settlement bloc in western Judea. He highlighted that pioneering families and public figures have established facts on the ground at the site of the former military base. The establishment of Makda and Carmei Yehuda creates settlement continuity from Eshkolot to Telam and Adura.

Further settlement expansion is planned in the Hebron region, with two additional settlements, Migdal and Ma'aleh Enav, scheduled to be established in the coming months.