Israeli Farms Preserve Over 1.1 Million Dunams in West Bank

The Israeli Farms Association has released its first map in a decade, detailing the extent of agricultural farms and the lands they preserve, primarily in the West Bank. According to the association's data, these farms, through grazing and agricultural activity, maintain over 1.1 million dunams. This contrasts with approximately 200,000 dunams held within built-up areas of settlements and cities in the region. The map illustrates that for every dunam of built settlement, nearly six dunams are preserved by the farms.

The map showcases a network of farms stretching from the Jordan Valley, through the central West Bank, and down to southern Mount Hebron and the Judean Desert. Areas of farm activity are marked in green, while populated areas are marked in blue. The association highlighted that beyond current activities, there are additional lands where they seek to expand operations, particularly in Area C, where over a million dunams require increased agricultural presence and land preservation.

The association views agricultural activity as a tool to strengthen Israeli presence and land control, framing it as a continuation of the principles of Zionist settlement. A quote attributed to the association states, "Where the Jewish plow passes, there our border will pass," comparing areas like the Tirzah Valley to the Jezreel Valley and the Dothan Valley to the Golan Heights.

This map release follows a year of significant expansion for the farms, according to the association. New farms were established, existing ones were consolidated, livestock herds grew, and infrastructure and security elements were strengthened. Thousands of young people are reportedly involved in the agricultural work and land preservation, supported by over 23,000 individuals nationwide who contribute financially to the Farms Fund.

The association stated that the map represents a significant agricultural and settlement revolution, demonstrating agriculture's power to shape the landscape and preserve the land. They intend to continue expanding agricultural activities across the country.