Israel Declares 183 Dunams State Land for Gush Etzion Settlements

Israel has declared an additional 183 dunams (approximately 45 acres) of land as state land for the settlements of Pnei Kedem and Bar Kochba in the Gush Etzion area. Of this total, 119 dunams are designated to regulate the access road to Pnei Kedem, a settlement established 26 years ago. The remaining 64 dunams in Bar Kochba will facilitate land continuity and advance planning for hundreds of new housing units. Bar Kochba was approved for establishment by the Political-Security Cabinet in June 2024, with subsequent administrative procedures completed. This latest declaration follows a previous announcement in August 2024 of 603 dunams for Bar Kochba. Minister of Finance and Chairman of the Religious Zionism party, Bezalel Smotrich, hailed the decision, stating it is a very important move for the settlements, completing the regulation of Pnei Kedem and Bar Kochba, significantly strengthening the southern Jerusalem envelope, and addressing housing needs for hundreds of young couples near Jerusalem. He contrasted this development with a hypothetical government that would evacuate settlements and establish a Palestinian state, emphasizing his government's focus on building and expanding. Yaron Rosenthal, Head of the Gush Etzion Regional Council, affirmed that land surveys are a top priority to ensure the continued settlement and development of the region, expressing commitment to working with the settlement leadership and Smotrich to strengthen land control and expand settlements.