Israel Declares 183 Dunams State Land in Gush Etzion for New Housing

An additional 183 dunams (approximately 45 acres) of state land have been declared in the Gush Etzion settlement bloc for the communities of Pnei Kedem and Bar Kochba. The declaration includes 119 dunams for arranging the access road to Pnei Kedem and 64 dunams to create contiguous state land in Bar Kochba. Pnei Kedem, established about 26 years ago, stated that this declaration completes the settlement's land regularization process. In Bar Kochba, the additional land is intended to facilitate planning for hundreds of housing units. The cabinet approved Bar Kochba's establishment in June 2024, and since then, its jurisdiction has been defined, a settlement symbol assigned, and 603 dunams of state land declared in August 2024.

Minister of Finance Bezalel Smotrich praised the move, stating it would strengthen the area south of Jerusalem and help address the housing shortage. "We are building, planting, and expanding," he emphasized, thanking the Civil Administration and the Settlement Administration. Yaron Rosenthal, head of the Gush Etzion Council, affirmed that land regularization is a top priority for the council, calling settlement a national mission and expressing determination to continue advancing it and strengthening Gush Etzion's future.