Samaria Regional Council Head Yossi Dagan Named 'Man of the Year'
Yossi Dagan, head of the Samaria Regional Council, has been named 'Man of the Year תשפ"ו' by Arieh Yoeli, editor of the "Srugim" website, during a year-end review panel. Yoeli cited Dagan's long-standing efforts that led to the repeal of the Disengagement Law in Northern Samaria and the return of Israeli settlement to Homesh, Sa-Nur, Ganim, and Kadim, 21 years after the initial evacuation.
Yoeli recalled Dagan's promise in 2005, during the evacuation from Sa-Nur, that residents would one day return to Northern Samaria, a promise he has now fulfilled. He also acknowledged the legislative work of Yuli Edelstein, who passed the relevant law as chairman of the Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee, with support from the right-wing parties and without opposition from Prime Minister Netanyahu. Bezalel Smotrich, as Minister of Defense, also played a role in the return to these communities.
Dagan, himself a former resident evacuated from Sa-Nur in 2005, has returned with his family to live there. The return to these four communities is part of a broader "Connection Plan" led by the Samaria Regional Council and the "Amana" organization. This plan, supported by the Israeli cabinet and government, aims to establish 19 new settlements in Northern Samaria, replacing the four evacuated ones, as part of the "Million in Samaria" initiative. Eight new settlements have been established in Northern Samaria in less than a year, a record aimed at strengthening Israeli presence and security in the region.
Dagan also highlighted his international work, which includes building relationships with senators, lawmakers, and leaders worldwide, creating what the program host described as an "additional diplomatic platform for the State of Israel." Dagan stated that the return to Northern Samaria proves that the expulsion is not an irreversible fate and expressed his belief that the next national mission is to return to Gush Katif, rebuild the destroyed communities, and restore Jewish life there.
