First Families Settle New Israeli Town 'Shalem' in Samaria

By חדשות סרוגים

Translated & summarized from Srugim by baba

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The new Israeli settlement of Shalem in northern Samaria was officially established as the first families moved into permanent residences. The settlement's founding follows a cabinet decision and is part of a larger plan to establish 19 new settlements in the region. The establishment is seen as a return to biblical roots, with an inauguration ceremony planned and attended by Israeli officials. Shalem is the ninth settlement to be established in the area since the 2005 disengagement.

The story in 6 lines · by baba

The new Israeli settlement of Shalem in northern Samaria officially opened with the arrival of its first resident families.
The establishment of Shalem is part of a larger plan to create 19 new settlements in the northern Samaria region.
Ministers Israel Katz and Bezalel Smotrich were involved in the cabinet decision that led to the settlement's creation.
The settlement's location is believed to be the site of the biblical city of Shalem mentioned in the Book of Genesis.
Shalem is the ninth settlement established in the area since the 2005 Israeli disengagement from Gaza.
An official inauguration ceremony is scheduled to be attended by Israeli ministers and Knesset members.

First Families Settle New Israeli Town 'Shalem' in Samaria — Editorial illustration generated by baba News, not a photograph of the event.

The new Israeli settlement of Shalem in northern Samaria has officially been established with the arrival of its first resident families. Trucks carrying equipment have arrived, and the founding members are moving into pre-fabricated structures. The settlement's establishment marks a significant milestone, with an official inauguration ceremony planned for later today, attended by government ministers, Knesset members, and public figures, including Yossi Dagan, head of the Samaria Regional Council, and leaders from the Amana movement.

The move follows a cabinet decision made approximately a year ago, spearheaded by Ministers Israel Katz and Bezalel Smotrich. It is part of the Samaria Regional Council's broader "Connection Program," in partnership with the Amana movement and the Settlement Division. This initiative aims to establish 19 new settlements in northern Samaria, aligning with the council's strategic plan called "A Million in Samaria."

Shalem is strategically located in northern Samaria, intended to strengthen the Israeli presence in the region. Its location is believed to correspond with the ancient biblical city of Shalem, mentioned in the Book of Genesis in relation to Jacob's journey. Yossi Dagan, the head of the Samaria Regional Council, welcomed the first families, referencing the 2005 disengagement from Gaza settlements. "21 years later, we have returned," he stated, emphasizing the creation of new settlements as part of a larger plan.

New resident Achinom Mizrahi expressed her excitement, inviting visitors to experience the area's landscapes and heritage. Another resident, Ofir Chazi, highlighted the settlement's connection to biblical roots, situated opposite Mount Gerizim and Mount Ebal, and expressed hopes for its growth and prosperity.

Shalem is the ninth settlement established in the area following the disengagement. It joins Rehava'am, Eival, Emek Dotan, Noa, and the four re-established northern Samaria settlements of Homesh, Sa-Nur, Ganim, and Kadim, which were evacuated during the 2005 disengagement.