Israel Signs Historic Development Pact to Transform Samaria Region

In a landmark event, Israel's Samaria Regional Council became the first non-municipal authority in the country to sign a comprehensive development agreement with the national government. The ceremony, held recently, was attended by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, Housing Minister Haim Katz, Israel Land Authority Director Yehuda Eliyahu, and Samaria Council Head Yossi Dagan.

The unprecedented agreement allocates over 8.5 billion shekels for extensive infrastructure development, upgrading existing communities, and constructing 12,000 new housing units in the region. Approximately 1.5 billion shekels will fund strategic major infrastructure projects, while around 7 billion shekels are designated for local infrastructure, new public institutions, and revitalization projects blending old and new community elements. The plan also includes thousands of square meters for employment, commerce, and industry, alongside road improvements and advanced drainage solutions.

Yossi Dagan celebrated the milestone, emphasizing the rebuilding of 18 settlements in northern Samaria to replace four that were evacuated, with a long-term goal of reaching one million residents in the area. Finance Minister Smotrich highlighted the agreement as a critical step in the government's settlement expansion efforts, countering political threats and opposing plans to evacuate settlements for a Palestinian state.

This historic pact marks a significant victory for the right-wing, settlement movement, and Israeli sovereignty advocates, reinforcing the national commitment to developing Judea and Samaria as integral parts of Israel's future security and identity. The investment is seen as a direct response to left-wing and international opposition to Israeli settlement activity in the West Bank.