Israeli Farms in West Bank Expand, Asserting Control and Security
Translated & summarized from Makor Rishon by baba
Dozens of Israeli agricultural "huts" have expanded to cover over a million dunams in the West Bank, seen as a significant Zionist effort to enhance security and counter Palestinian land grabs. These farms, established with state coordination, are strategically placed to assert Israeli control and deter hostile land takeover. The initiative is revitalizing agriculture and providing a sense of security in previously volatile areas. The article calls for public support for these expanding settlements.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Israeli agricultural farms in the West Bank now cover over a million dunams, a significant Zionist expansion.
- The farms are strategically established to enhance security in terror-prone areas and counter Palestinian land appropriation.
- These initiatives are developed in coordination with Israeli state authorities, including the IDF and Ministry of Agriculture.
- The farms are credited with revitalizing agriculture and creating a sense of security in volatile regions.
- The article urges public support and donations for the expanding farm settlements.
- A recent report indicates a significant increase in declared state lands and settlement expansion.
A new wave of Israeli agricultural farms, known as "huts" (חווה), is rapidly expanding across the West Bank, covering over a million dunams and representing what the article describes as the most significant Zionist endeavor in recent decades. These farms, often established by young, motivated individuals like Uri Zagdon and his partner Tohar, are strategically positioned to enhance security in terror-prone areas and counter Palestinian land appropriation efforts. Zagdon, who lost his sister Rini in the Nova music festival massacre on October 7th, established "Halha Farm" in her memory. The farms are not haphazard outposts but are established and developed in coordination with state authorities, including the IDF, which approves their locations based on security considerations, and the Ministry of Agriculture and the Civil Administration, which coordinate land use. The initiative is seen as a direct response to Palestinian land acquisition strategies, which have been systematically acquiring land with international funding, often outpacing Israeli construction efforts. The article contrasts the minimal footprint of traditional Israeli settlements with the vast areas now claimed by these farms, arguing that they effectively create Jewish-controlled zones, deterring Palestinian construction and hostile land takeover. These farms are revitalizing agriculture as a viable profession for young Israelis, cultivating a variety of crops and livestock, and fostering a sense of national pride and security. The expansion is supported by government ministers and military officials, with past commanders also acknowledged for their early recognition of the farms' strategic importance. The article highlights a shift from previous eras where settlements faced demolition orders, to the current period of rapid expansion, with new settlements being established frequently. The author urges readers to support this "miracle" by donating to the "Farm Fund," emphasizing that the security provided by these farms extends beyond their immediate vicinity, akin to the security provided by the Gaza border communities. The expansion is also noted by watchdog groups, with one report indicating a significant increase in declared state lands and settlement expansion between 2023 and 2025.
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