Defense Minister Israel Katz informed local council heads on Monday that, under government decision No. 4242 approved on June 11, 2026, nine more communities in northern Israel have been officially recognized as border-adjacent conflict-zone localities. The communities are Sde Eliezer, Kisra-Sumei, Yesud HaMa'ala, Or HaGanuz, Meron, Bar Yohai, Sifsufa (Kfar Hoshan), Beit Jann, and Hulatza.
With the new designation, they will be added to the list of conflict-zone communities and become eligible for the benefits and support measures granted to places with that status. Katz said he updated the local leaders on both the decision and what it means for residents, who will now receive the rights and benefits attached to the new classification.
In a statement, Katz called it “an important and just decision” that gives the communities the recognition they deserve. He said northern residents have been on the front line for an extended period and that their resilience gives Israeli soldiers the strength to continue defending the north. He added, “The lesson of recent years is clear, strong settlement is a first-rate security asset.”
Katz said that under Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s leadership, the government will continue working for northern communities and residents and ensure they receive the full support they are due.
