Haaretz Labels Yossi Dagan as De Facto Military Chief Driving West Bank Policy

Haaretz published a comprehensive investigative report this week sharply criticizing Yossi Dagan, head of the Shomron Regional Council, portraying him as the key figure effectively directing Israel’s political and security policies in the West Bank. The report, authored by journalists Yarden Michaeli, Matan Golan, and Yaniv Kubovitz, warns of a "strategic revolution" unfolding in northern Samaria, highlighted by a flagship settler initiative to establish 18 new settlements.

Dagan is depicted as the most prominent leader spearheading the return to northern West Bank areas, wielding significant influence and maintaining extensive connections within the American right-wing and among senior Republican officials. These ties are said to secure U.S. backing for annexation moves. The report cites the official visit of U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson to Ariel as evidence of this influence.

Since the repeal of the Disengagement Law in March 2023, developments have accelerated: the settlements of Homesh and Sha-Nur have been re-inhabited, a new Jewish community is being established on Mount Ebal, and settler groups are preparing to return to the communities of Ganim and Kadim. This demographic and geographic shift is accompanied by a marked military transformation, including the construction of eight new army bases, road building, and a significant influx of forces into areas that had minimal Israeli presence for nearly two decades.

Alongside the investigation, Haaretz published a critical editorial by staff member Noa Estricher titled "Yossi Dagan, the De Facto Chief of Staff." Estricher accuses Dagan of dictating the security agenda and undermining the political echelon, particularly regarding visits to Joseph’s Tomb. She sharply criticizes the command chain, suggesting that military and defense officials merely implement Dagan’s policies, and questions who truly leads the security establishment.