Nine northern communities gain frontline status, bringing new benefits

Defense Minister Israel Katz announced on Monday that the government will formally recognize nine more communities in northern Israel as border-adjacent, or “frontline,” localities. The communities are Sde Eliezer, Ksra-Smei, Yesud HaMa'ala, Or HaGanuz, Meron, Bar Yohai, Safsufa, also known as Kfar Hoshan, Beit Jann, and Huleh.

The change follows a government decision made earlier this month. Once the new status takes effect, the communities will become eligible for the benefits and support programs reserved for frontline settlements.

Katz called the move “an important and just decision” that gives the residents the recognition and rights tied to that status. He said northern residents have been “on the front line for a long time,” and that their resilience gives Israeli soldiers the strength to continue defending northern communities.

He added that the lesson of recent years is clear, “strong settlement is a top-tier security asset,” and said that under Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s leadership, the government will keep working for northern communities and ensure they receive full support.