A new cellular reception mast was erected in Shaked-Nur in northern Samaria, amid concerns about possible evacuations and as part of Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich’s policy to strengthen and fortify settlements. The installation followed intensive planning, coordination and execution by professionals in the Civil Administration.
The mast is part of a broader initiative led by the Settlement Administration in the Defense Ministry to improve communications infrastructure across Judea and Samaria. Under the plan, 51 communication masts are being built throughout the area, at a cost of more than 70 million shekels, with the stated goals of improving cellular coverage, strengthening security and providing better service to residents.
Smotrich, who serves as finance minister and minister in the Defense Ministry, said the settlement project is continuing “with full force,” and linked the new mast to what he described as reinforcing Jewish control in northern Samaria. He said, “Bennett and Eisenkot will evacuate, we will build,” referring to comments by Naftali Bennett about evacuating settlements and supporting a Palestinian state.
Yossi Dagan, head of the Samaria Regional Council, called the communications mast in Shaked-Nur a “life-saving security need,” and also a clear Zionist statement that “we won and returned to stay.” He said the return to northern Samaria is being carried out through actions and infrastructure, describing the “correction of the expulsion” as a plan of renewed connection that includes 18 new settlements, road construction and other infrastructure.
