Otzma Yehudit Advances Plans for New Settlements in Northern West Bank Ahead of Elections

Leaders of the Nahala movement presented plans for establishing three new settlements in the northern West Bank area to members of the Otzma Yehudit party ahead of the upcoming elections. The proposed settlements, named Nisanit, Eli Sinai, and Dugit, are intended to be established within the northern perimeter zone before the elections. The meeting included representatives from the Gaza pioneering group and the Nahal Shderot group, who shared updates on their activities since October 7.

Among the attendees was Itzik Pitusi, a bereaved father and chairman of the Valor Forum, whose son Yishai was killed defending Kibbutz Nahal Oz during the Simchat Torah attack. Pitusi expressed his commitment to the settlement groups and his aspiration to establish a new settlement in the northern perimeter named after his son, "Yishai Core."

Defense Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir emphasized full support from Otzma Yehudit for the initiative, stating they would advocate for the settlements' reestablishment in the cabinet and that the party would not remain passive. He expressed hope that Nisanit and Dugit would be restored this year, before the elections, and stressed the importance of strengthening existing communities and encouraging immigration. Nahala co-chair Daniela Weiss recalled the 1977 political shift and asserted that settlement expansion is the clear path for the right-wing to secure electoral victory and boost national morale.