Israeli Authorities Prepare to Establish 13 New Settlements in Benjamin Region Following Cabinet Approval

Following the Israeli Security Cabinet's approval of 13 new settlements in the Benjamin region, local authorities are preparing to establish the first wave within the coming months. The regional council is investing millions of shekels and working alongside the Ministry of Settlement, the Settlement Division, Amana, and Nahala to advance this significant settlement initiative. Initially, between four and six new settlements are expected to be established. In western Benjamin, the settlements of Netof, Zivda, and Neot Harim are being promoted, while in eastern Benjamin, Deya, Metzukei Eretz, and Knafey Shachar are advancing. Some of these locations are based on existing farms, while others will be built from scratch.

The plan aims to create pioneering permanent settlements in two strategic areas: the mountain ridge in western Benjamin connecting Jerusalem to central Israel, and the eastern Benjamin region overlooking the Jordan Valley. These new communities will join Maoz Tzur, the first settlement established recently under this initiative. The regional council emphasized the urgency of advancing these settlements now to capitalize on the current political opportunity and establish facts on the ground.

Israel Gantz, head of the Benjamin Regional Council and chairman of the Yesha Council, stated that this is one of the largest settlement efforts in decades, aiming to ensure Israeli presence from the western seam line to the eastern expanses. He warned that without strong Israeli settlements, Ramallah, backed by Iran, could control the hills overlooking Ben Gurion Airport and the Tel Aviv metropolitan area. Gantz highlighted that by summer, millions of Israelis passing through the airport will see a chain of pioneering communities securing their safety.

Settlement and National Missions Minister Orit Strook described the initiative as strategic, correcting damage from 30 years of Oslo Accords. She said the settlements restore Israeli control over neglected lands, deepen roots in the historic land, and create improved political and security realities. Strook stressed the responsibility to ensure these settlements are established on the ground, not just on paper, especially given enemy efforts to seize these areas. She expressed commitment to fully realizing this historic right and duty.

The regional council continues to promote the remaining approved settlements to complete their establishment in the future, reinforcing Israeli presence in this key area.