Jewish Families Secretly Purchase Homes Near Jericho

Eight Jewish families have moved into homes near the Palestinian city of Jericho, in Area C, which is under full Israeli military and civilian control. The acquisition of the properties was carried out through a covert operation organized by the Nachala settlement movement, with support from the Binyamin Regional Council. Security teams were in place for the operation, but the details were kept secret until the families arrived.

According to the Binyamin Regional Council, all eight houses are situated on state lands, some on the outskirts of Jericho near the Hasmonean Palaces archaeological site. Organizers claim the properties were purchased at full price, with ownership documents confirming the transactions. The movement aims to re-establish Jewish life in major cities, adhering to settler principles.

One of the families relocated from the settlement of Beit HaGilan described the move as a dream come true, initially thinking the opportunity was a joke. The relocation happened quickly, with families gathering and proceeding to the houses, unaware that other families and supporters from across the country would also be present.

Исраэль Ганц, head of the Judea and Samaria and Binyamin Regional Councils, stated that this move is a practical dismantling of the Oslo Accords, which led to Israel's withdrawal from Jericho. He views the current settlement as a reversal of that decision and a response to destruction, emphasizing a return to the area his generation left.

Даниэла Вайс, chairwoman of the Nachala movement, stated that the organization is following settler principles and aims to renew Jewish life in major cities. She described the move as a new chapter for Jewish presence in Jericho, fulfilling a vision of children playing in the city's streets.