Israeli Government Approves New Jewish Settlement East of Sha'Nur in Northern Samaria

The Israeli government has approved the establishment of a new Jewish settlement east of Sha'Nur in northern Samaria, on the site from which the Paratroopers Brigade base was removed. This new community will be the 19th settlement under the "Connectivity Plan" and will include hundreds of housing units under the jurisdiction of the Shomron Regional Council. The decision was made following intensive efforts by the Shomron Council and the Settlement Administration, with strong backing from Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, Defense Minister Israel Katz, and the approval of the Security Cabinet and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Yossi Dagan, head of the Shomron Regional Council, who was expelled from his home in Sha'Nur in 2005 and recently returned with his family, welcomed the decision. He described the move as a historic correction, emphasizing that instead of one Sha'Nur settlement, there will now be two. Dagan highlighted the strategic importance of the new settlement on Route 60 and framed the expansion as the proper Zionist and security response to terrorism, emphasizing continued Jewish presence and development in the area.

Dagan expressed gratitude to the ministers and officials involved, including the Settlement Administration staff and the pioneers and residents who persevered over 21 years. He concluded by stating, "Justice prevails. We are coming home, and this time forever." The new settlement is expected to be established in the coming months, marking a significant expansion of Jewish communities in northern Samaria.