Israeli Security Cabinet Approves 104th Settlement in Samaria Amid Expansion Drive

The Israeli Security Cabinet officially approved the establishment of a new settlement named "Sha-Nur East" in the northern Samaria region, marking the 104th settlement authorized during the current government. The decision, revealed earlier by C14 and confirmed on Tuesday evening, follows a proposal by Finance Minister and Defense Ministry official Bezalel Smotrich and Defense Minister Israel Katz. The new settlement will be located on state lands east of the existing Sha-Nur settlement, near Road 5725 and close to the strategic Route 60. It will operate under the Samaria Regional Council with independent settlement status, with land allocated to the Settlement Division for housing and infrastructure development.

This move is part of a broader initiative described by Smotrich and his associates as a "settlement revolution," which includes the establishment of dozens of farms, expansion of infrastructure and roads, and development of new neighborhoods across Judea and Samaria. Smotrich emphasized the strategic importance of the plan, stating it prevents the creation of a "terror state" within Israel and strengthens Israeli presence in the area. He also responded to opposition criticism by contrasting their plans to evacuate settlements with the government's efforts to fortify them.

The approval comes amid international pressure and calls to freeze construction in Judea and Samaria. The government frames the decision as a political and security measure to reinforce Israeli control, while opponents are expected to criticize the settlement expansion. The new settlement's establishment reflects the current administration's ongoing commitment to expanding Israeli communities in the West Bank.