Young Israelis Revitalize Jordan Valley Through Farming and IDF Cooperation

A recent tour of farms in the northern Jordan Valley revealed a significant shift in Israeli control over the area, characterized by young Israelis establishing farms, the IDF following suit, and expanding settlements. This development is seen not only as a security achievement but also as a resurgence of Zionist pioneering spirit. The initiative involves young farmers settling in areas previously neglected by the state, with the military subsequently reinforcing their presence. These civilian farms are described as fulfilling a vital security role, saving the IDF manpower and achieving results that rotating military forces struggle to replicate due to their lack of deep familiarity with the terrain. Some farms are strategically located along water sources and sensitive areas, reportedly helping to prevent infiltrations and arms smuggling from Jordan, a country with a fragile peace with Israel where Iran is allegedly building capabilities for future conflict. The article highlights that a peace treaty alone cannot replace tangible control of territory. The farms are situated in an area between Route 90 and the towns of Tayasir, Tubas, and Zababdeh, which had been neglected since the Oslo Accords, becoming a corridor for hostile activity. However, in recent years, these young, courageous farmers have begun reclaiming the land, prompting the IDF's return to these areas. The transformation is exemplified by Mount Bezah, where a former solitary farm is now accompanied by a military base and a new settlement, connected by a well-constructed road. This shift is attributed to the efforts of two government ministers who have reportedly facilitated breakthroughs in settlement and the security establishment's approach to it. The article notes the support from the IDF, which recognizes the farmers as a significant security asset, particularly due to their permanent presence and intimate knowledge of the land, which surpasses that of rotating soldiers and intelligence technology. The author praises the quiet, focused efforts of these young pioneers and the political backing they receive, suggesting this model could be expanded to the Galilee and the Negev. The report also mentions that Bedouin families have been leaving areas where new farms are established, sometimes without conflict, as the younger generation is less inclined to the harsh life of shepherding. One Bedouin reportedly stated, "The Jews have returned to the land," reflecting a deep historical truth about the necessity of physical presence on the land for national existence. The author contrasts this with the post-Yom Kippur War generation, termed the "Oslo generation," which he believes moved away from the vision of settlement and land attachment. The current "third generation," or "generation of resurgence," is seen as embodying a renewed pioneering spirit. The article warns of a "silent occupation" and the erosion of national consciousness if land is not held and defended. The author advocates for strengthening the political power of the Religious Zionist party and its leadership to replicate the Jordan Valley success in the Galilee and the Negev, where he perceives worrying trends of losing Jewish hold on the land due to planning policies that hinder Jewish settlement while facilitating Arab expansion, creating territorial contiguity that threatens Jewish sovereignty. He also raises security and demographic concerns in the Negev related to polygamy and the influence of Hamas-affiliated elements. The author concludes that this renewal stems from the deep roots of Jewish tradition and national DNA, enabling a people to regenerate even after periods of weakness, as demonstrated by the young farmers who are actively reclaiming the land and securing their future.