Major Industrial Zone Launched in Northern Samaria

A cornerstone-laying ceremony was held for the "Bustanai Heifetz" industrial zone, located near the settlement of Avnei Hefetz in northern Samaria. The project, which has been in planning and development for ten years, spans approximately 800 dunams and will feature 96 plots designated for industry, commerce, and offices. This marks one of the largest industrial zones in Judea and Samaria, comparable in size to the Barkat industrial zone.

The development is being carried out by Shachak, the economic company of the Shomron Regional Council, in cooperation with the Israel Land Authority (ILA), led by Director General Yehuda Eliyahu and Meir Strober, Director of the Development Department. Marketing of the plots is underway, with a tender from the ILA currently open for proposals until the end of November, attracting significant interest from entrepreneurs and business owners.

Officials present at the ceremony included Minister of Construction and Housing Chaim Katz, Minister of Economy Nir Barkat, Head of the Shomron Regional Council Yossi Dagan, and Member of Knesset Boaz Bismut. The industrial zone is expected to create thousands of jobs and serve as a significant catalyst for the development of northern Samaria, benefiting both new and existing communities in the region.

Minister Katz stated that the project is part of a long-term vision for developing northern Samaria, emphasizing job creation and strengthening settlement. Minister Barkat highlighted the initiative as a major step in consolidating Israel's de facto sovereignty in Judea and Samaria, expressing a future goal of dismantling the Palestinian Authority. MK Bismut asserted the right of the Jewish people to establish themselves in the area, calling it their homeland.

Yossi Dagan described the industrial zone as a historic achievement, complementing the establishment of new communities. He stressed the importance of a strong economic foundation for settlements, aiming to transform northern Samaria into a fully developed region with schools, roads, businesses, and employment opportunities, marking a return to life after 21 years since the disengagement from Gaza.