New Israeli Settlement Established in West Bank Days After Attack

Twelve families have settled in the new Israeli outpost of "Tzukey Eretz" in the eastern West Bank, located on the Alon Road between the settlements of Rimanim and Kochav Hashahar. The families have moved into the first caravans, and dozens of children will now live at the site. The establishment of the settlement, which occurred exactly 80 years after the "11 Points Operation" that preceded the establishment of the State of Israel, was marked by the construction of a sukkah and the planting of the first trees.

Tzukey Eretz is one of 13 new settlements being promoted by the Binyamin Regional Council, intended to strengthen eastern Binyamin and the Israeli corridor connecting the eastern border, Jerusalem, and central Israel. The event was attended by prominent Israeli officials, including Binyamin Regional Council Chairman Israel Gantz, Finance Minister and Deputy Defense Minister Bezalel Smotrich, Justice Minister Yariv Levin, Communications Minister Shlomo Karai, Economy Minister Nir Barkat, Minister in the Finance Ministry Ze'ev Elkin, and Knesset Member Limor Son Har Melech.

During the ceremony, Israel Gantz stated that the establishment of the settlement sends a clear message to those who supported the October 7th attacks, asserting that the defense line for central Israel passes through Tzukey Eretz. He drew a parallel to the establishment of Kibbutz Be'eri and Kibbutz Nir Am 80 years prior, despite British opposition, and criticized current British opposition to Tzukey Eretz and Ma'ale Adumim.

Bezalel Smotrich highlighted that this inauguration brings the number of new settlements in Judea and Samaria to 104, with 30 in Binyamin alone. He reported that since the beginning of the current term, 60,000 housing units have been approved in Judea and Samaria, with 15,000 in Binyamin. Smotrich also mentioned the declaration of 30,250 dunams of state land and the establishment of 160 agricultural farms to strengthen Israeli control over the area.

Justice Minister Yariv Levin expressed his excitement at the ceremony, calling the settlement's establishment a realization of the Jewish people's "inalienable right to the Land of Israel" and a testament to the "uncompromising commitment" to building and developing the country. The establishment of Tzukey Eretz comes just days after a significant attack in the West Bank.