New Israeli Settlement 'Metzukei Eretz' Established in West Bank

Twelve families have settled in the new Israeli outpost of Metzukei Eretz, located in the eastern West Bank along Route 417 between Rimmonim and Kochav Shachar. The families have moved into the first caravans, and dozens of children will now reside in the settlement. The establishment of Metzukei Eretz, which included planting trees and building a sukkah, occurred exactly 80 years after "Operation 11 Points," a significant pre-state settlement initiative.

Metzukei Eretz is one of 13 new settlements being promoted by the Binyamin Regional Council, aiming to strengthen eastern Binyamin and the Israeli corridor connecting the eastern border, Jerusalem, and central Israel. The establishment ceremony was attended by prominent Israeli officials, including Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, Justice Minister Yariv Levin, Communications Minister Shlomo Karhi, Economy Minister Nir Barkat, and MK Limor Son Har Melech.

Binyamin Regional Council head Yisrael Gantz stated that the settlement sends a clear message to supporters of the October 7th massacre, asserting that "the defense line of central Israel passes through Metzukei Eretz." He drew a parallel to the establishment of settlements like Be'eri and Nirim 80 years prior, despite British opposition, and criticized current opposition from London, stating their mandate has long expired.

Finance Minister Smotrich highlighted that Metzukei Eretz joins 104 new settlements established in the West Bank during the current government's term, with 30 in Binyamin alone. He reported that since the beginning of the term, 60,000 housing units have been approved in the West Bank, 15,000 in Binyamin, and 30,250 dunams of state land have been declared for settlement purposes. Smotrich also expressed concern over statements by Avigdor Lieberman regarding Jordanian legions controlling the area, urging the right-wing to win the upcoming elections.

Justice Minister Levin emphasized that the settlement's establishment is a realization of Israel's "inalienable right to the Land of Israel" and part of an unprecedented construction momentum in the West Bank. Yishai Merling, head of the Settlement Division, described the event as a vision becoming reality, marking the beginning of a new community that will grow with more homes, families, and settlements.