Mevo Horon Reaches Historic Agreement to Spur Development

An agreement has been signed in Mevo Horon, ending a 30-year dispute between the cooperative moshav and the community, paving the way for millions of shekels in development and growth. The deal, approved by the cooperative moshav and then by over 85% of the community, was facilitated by the Benjamin Regional Council.

The agreement aims to resolve long-standing complexities by defining the relationship between the two bodies and establishing a shared foundation for the settlement's future. Under the terms, the cooperative moshav retains its existing rights, assets, and economic activities, while new development will serve as a joint growth engine. The community association will receive 50% of the net surplus from new economic activities in designated areas, with these funds to be reinvested in infrastructure, public buildings, and services.

Three projects are expected to advance soon, potentially generating between one and three million shekels annually for the community. The agreement also allows for the development of approximately 100 new housing units. An estimated 40 million shekels are allocated for the construction of public buildings and settlement development.

The initiative was led by Benjamin Regional Council head Yisrael Gantz, with his chief of staff Achia Francis spearheading the mediation. Legal aspects were handled by attorney Hagai Tam. Key figures involved included community association chairman Michael Yoshea, local committee chairman Rafi Malka, and cooperative moshav chairman Shmulik Avidan.

Francis explained the principle was not to take from the founders' existing "cake" but to expand it and share the future gains. Gantz stated the agreement transforms a 30-year dispute into a historic opportunity, ushering in a new era of construction and development for Mevo Horon, strengthening the community economically while preserving the founders' legacy. He emphasized Mevo Horon's importance in western Benjamin and the broader development efforts in the region.