Cornerstone Laid for New Tourist Trail in Samaria's Alon Moreh

A new tourist trail, dubbed "Joshua's Path," is under construction in the Samaria region, with the laying of its cornerstone marking the first project within the "Bible Trails in Judea and Samaria" initiative. The project, located in Alon Moreh, aims to connect the Alon Moreh Heritage Center with the summit of Mount Kabir.

The 3.2 million shekel (approximately $860,000 USD) project will feature a suspension bridge spanning scenic landscapes and historical sites. Tourism Minister Haim Katz, Heritage Minister Amichai Eliyahu, and Samaria Regional Council head Yossi Dagan participated in the cornerstone-laying ceremony.

Minister Katz described the Samaria region as "the Tuscany of Israel," highlighting its potential for tourism due to its landscapes, vineyards, wineries, history, and heritage. He emphasized that developing tourism is integral to building the land and strengthening settlements.

Minister Eliyahu stated that the new trail embodies the connection between heritage, settlement, and revival, linking visitors to biblical landscapes and the roots of settlement in the region. He pledged to continue building and developing the land, honoring national duty to connect all Israelis to their ancestral heritage.

Samaria Regional Council head Yossi Dagan expressed gratitude for the ministerial cooperation, calling the trail another step in building the land. He asserted that the response to challenges is to continue building and developing tourism in the "heart of the Land of the Bible," making the area accessible to visitors.

The new accessible promenade is expected to become a significant attraction, offering visitors an easy walk across the suspension bridge with views of the Samarian landscape and a connection to the area's historical and biblical narrative. The ceremony was also attended by representatives from the Yesha (Judea, Samaria, and Gaza) Cluster regional development agency and local heritage and tourism officials.