Pnei Kedem Recognized as Official Israeli Settlement After 25 Years

The religious community of Pnei Kedem in the Gush Etzion bloc has officially received recognition as a settlement in Israel, more than 25 years after its establishment. The head of the Gush Etzion Regional Council, Yaron Rosenthal, celebrated the decision, sharing his personal connection to the area. Rosenthal first visited the area, then known as Har Khenov and Mitzad, over 25 years ago as part of his work with a field school. He observed activity around caravans belonging to the Mitzad yeshiva and learned that a new community was being formed. He described the early settlers as pioneers "clinging to the mountain, never ceasing to believe and build, under complex conditions and in an area far from the heart of Gush Etzion." Rosenthal thanked Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich for his partnership in advancing settlement in Gush Etzion and congratulated the residents of Pnei Kedem, stating, "Blessings to the pioneers who ascended the mountain about half a century ago, and thanks to them we have reached this day. Today we see the fruits of their labor."