Israeli Agriculture Minister Signs Treaty to Cancel Oslo Accords During West Bank Visit
On Tuesday, Israeli Agriculture and Food Security Minister Avi Dichter toured the northern West Bank settlements of Homesh and Sha-Nur, accompanied by Shomron Regional Council head Yossi Dagan and Amichai Shohat, CEO of the Farm Association. The visit focused on expanding settlement, strengthening agriculture, and increasing government support in the area. Dichter emphasized that farmers in Judea and Samaria are integral to Israel's agricultural sector, stating, "This is truly restoring the earth to its natural place." He asserted that building in Area C is crucial to prevent confusion over sovereignty, declaring these lands as Israeli rather than Palestinian. Dichter also noted that the Green Line is irrelevant to agriculture and that his ministry supports farmers on both sides of it.
Dagan thanked Dichter for his cooperation, highlighting ongoing development efforts including housing, road construction, and attracting new settlers, which he said contribute to Israel's security. He pointed out that the average age of farmers in Judea and Samaria is significantly younger than the national average, indicating a promising future for local agriculture. Shohat described the expansion of agriculture and settlement in northern Shomron as part of fulfilling the Zionist vision, calling it a revolutionary return to the area with new communities and extensive farmland.
During the visit to Homesh, Dichter met with Rabbi Elishama Cohen, head of the local yeshiva, and Beni Gal, a leader in the campaign to renew settlement there. Both spoke about the yeshiva's continuous operation despite challenges and the symbolic importance of Homesh's reestablishment. Dichter expressed confidence in the area's potential for further development.
Later, at the Shuva Israel farm, Dichter signed the "Returning Home" treaty aimed at canceling the Oslo Accords. He stated, "Our main goal is to return full control of Areas A and B to Area C." The "Home" forum, which advocates for canceling the Oslo agreements, announced plans to promote construction and settlement throughout Judea and Samaria, declaring, "We are changing the reality on the ground. We will cancel the Oslo Accords and build across the entire area."
