New Secular Settlement 'Netof' Planned in West Benjamin for First Time Since 1980s

Following a decision by the Israeli Security Cabinet to establish and regulate new settlements in Judea and Samaria, the regional council of Benjamin has begun advancing the creation of a new secular community named Netof in West Benjamin. This marks the first new settlement in the area since the 1980s intended for a founding core of secular families. The settlement will be located near the existing communities of Nili and Na'aleh, within a short drive from central Israel. The initiative is being promoted in cooperation with the Settlement Division, the Benjamin Development Company, and Amana.

Alongside planning procedures, the Benjamin Regional Council has started assembling the founding group of families who will participate in building the new community. Israel Gantz, head of the Benjamin Regional Council and chairman of the Yesha Council, described Benjamin as a mosaic of religious, secular, and ultra-Orthodox populations and expressed pride in laying the foundations for Netof. He invited families to join the pioneering group and contribute to establishing the next generation of settlement in West Benjamin.

Settlement Minister Orit Strook welcomed the move, emphasizing that the establishment of new settlements is part of a strategic effort to strengthen Israeli presence in Judea and Samaria. She stressed the importance of implementing the Security Cabinet's approved decisions on the ground. The initiative follows recent security forces' evacuations and raids in Judea and Samaria, reflecting ongoing government efforts to expand and regulate settlements in the region.