Judea and Samaria Farms Expand Dramatically in Hebrew Year 5786

The Hebrew year 5786, which began in September 2025, is being called "the year of the farms" due to a significant surge in the establishment of agricultural outposts, primarily in Judea and Samaria. These farms, often simple structures with a few dozen sheep and volunteer help, have rapidly claimed over a million dunams (approximately 250,000 acres) of land. This represents double the area secured by 150 recognized Jewish settlements over the past 60 years since the Six-Day War.

The current Israeli government has reportedly supported this expansion, viewing it as a more cost-effective method to counter Arab efforts to seize state land compared to establishing new, formal settlements. The "shepherding law" provides state approval and funding for these farms, with budgets increasing based on the number of livestock and the land they cover. Most of these farms are located in Area C, under Israeli civil and security control according to the Oslo Accords.

While some farms were established decades ago, the current wave has seen over 150 new outposts emerge, particularly in the last year. This expansion is met with strong opposition from Israeli left-wing organizations like Peace Now, which accuse settlers of "ethnic cleansing" and "land theft." These groups highlight instances where Bedouin communities attempting to settle on state land are displaced, only for Jewish "shepherd communities" to be established with state support.

A small percentage of these farms, about 15%, are in Area B, which is under Palestinian civil control. Those who established them there hope that the state's tolerance for Arab settlement in Area C will extend to Jewish settlement in Area B, potentially nullifying the Oslo Accords de facto. The author expresses concern that future governments, even those with right-wing elements, might allow radical left-wing groups to dismantle these settlements.