Yossi Dagan Emerges as Key Power Broker in West Bank Settlement Expansion

The Israeli newspaper Haaretz has published a series of investigative reports portraying Yossi Dagan, head of the Shomron Regional Council, as a central figure driving the rapid expansion of settlements in the northern West Bank. The reports describe Dagan as "one of the most powerful people in Israel," with an extensive network of influential contacts in the United States and Europe, particularly among senior Republican officials.

Haaretz highlights Dagan's role in accelerating the establishment of 18 new settlements in the northern West Bank, including the re-population of evacuated communities such as Homesh and Sa-Nur, and the founding of a new Jewish settlement on Mount Ebal. The article also notes preparations to return to other former settlements destroyed during the 2005 disengagement plan, such as Ganim and Kadim. This settlement expansion is accompanied by the construction of eight new military bases, new roads, and increased Israeli military presence in an area that had minimal Israeli presence for nearly two decades.

The newspaper characterizes Dagan as the "de facto Chief of Staff," suggesting that even senior military officials are effectively implementing policies shaped by him. His influence reportedly extends into Israeli government decision-making, supported by his founding of the "My Likud" group and his efforts to secure U.S. political backing for annexation initiatives. A notable example cited is the visit of U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson to Ariel, underscoring Dagan's ability to cultivate high-level American support.

Haaretz frames this settlement push as a transformative and rapid realization of a long-standing settler project in the northern West Bank, with Dagan at its forefront. The article implies that his political and diplomatic efforts are crucial to advancing annexation and settlement policies despite official government hesitations.

Summary: Yossi Dagan, head of the Shomron Regional Council, is portrayed by Haaretz as a powerful figure leading accelerated settlement expansion and annexation efforts in the northern West Bank, leveraging strong U.S. political ties and reshaping Israeli presence in the area.

Points: - Yossi Dagan is a key driver behind rapid settlement growth in the northern West Bank. - He maintains influential connections with senior U.S. Republican politicians. - 18 new settlements have been established, including re-population of evacuated communities. - Eight new military bases and infrastructure projects support increased Israeli presence. - Haaretz calls Dagan the "de facto Chief of Staff" influencing Israeli policy. - U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson's visit to Ariel highlights American political backing.

Topic: politics

Entities: {"people":["Yossi Dagan","Mike Johnson","Noa Astraicher"],"organizations":["Shomron Regional Council","Haaretz","Likud"],"places":["West Bank","northern West Bank","Homesh","Sa-Nur","Mount Ebal","Ganim","Kadim","Ariel","United States"]}