Eight Jewish Families Settle in Jericho, Establishing New Quarter

Eight Jewish families began settling in buildings in Jericho on November 4th, marking the first time Jewish families have moved into the city itself. The move, organized by the "Nahala" movement and the Binyamin Regional Council, was kept secret until the last moment. Organizers stated that the buildings were purchased and registered as Jewish property with the aim of creating a Jewish neighborhood within the city. The settlement process was described as a "specially organized operation," and the Binyamin Regional Council did not coordinate the move with other authorities.

Simultaneously, a settlement named "Dia" is being established near the Hasmonean Palaces, where ten mobile homes are being installed. Jericho, located in the Jordan Valley, is predominantly inhabited by Arab Muslims. The organizers hope this settlement of eight families will be the beginning of a larger Jewish community within the city's limits.

Previous attempts to establish a Jewish presence in Jericho date back to the 1970s. In late 1973, the "Jericho Nucleus" initiative group was formed with plans for residential and agricultural development, including a yeshiva and religious college. However, the Israeli government at the time did not approve of Jewish settlement in Jericho and its surroundings, citing the large Arab population and the Alon Plan, which designated the area for Arab-controlled transit between Judea and Samaria and Jordan.

Despite government opposition, the "Jericho Nucleus" group viewed the settlement as historically, religiously, and strategically significant, stating in a memorandum that "Jericho has always been known as the key to the liberation of the Land." They organized trips and attempted to establish a settlement, including a notable attempt during Sukkot in 5738 (1977) as part of the "Gush Emunim" movement's campaign to establish 11 settlements in Judea and Samaria. This attempt was met with demands from the military to leave the area, which the group eventually complied with after negotiations.

Following unsuccessful attempts to settle within Jericho itself, members of "Jericho Nucleus" focused on establishing Mitzpe-Jericho outside the city. In recent years, Jewish families have also settled on hills overlooking Jericho. Approximately two years ago, Hanan Herbstein, his wife Lea, and their ten children moved to the "Katef Jericho" farm, located between the fortresses of Duk and Cypros, offering views of Jericho and nearby historical sites. The current effort aims to create a Jewish community directly within the city, starting with these eight families.