First Families Settle in New Israeli Community Eival in Samaria

The first families of the Eival core group moved into caravans this morning in the newly established settlement of Eival in the northern Samaria region. Trucks carrying equipment and furniture arrived at the site as the families began the initial stage of habitation. Additional families are expected to join over the summer to help build the new community.

Eival was founded about a year after a government cabinet decision led by ministers Israel Katz and Bezalel Smotrich, as part of the Samaria Regional Council's "Connection Plan" to establish 19 new settlements in northern Samaria. The settlement is located on a mountain that previously had no Jewish presence and holds historical and archaeological significance, including remnants of Joshua ben Nun's altar. Its strategic location near a military base also adds security importance.

The official ground-breaking ceremony is scheduled for later today, with participation from Knesset members and public figures. Yossi Dagan, head of the Samaria Regional Council, who has supported the core group from the start, accompanied the families this morning and expressed pride in the milestone. He emphasized the Zionist significance of establishing a new settlement and projected that 600 families will eventually live there.

Founding residents Noam and Naama Ozari shared their excitement, describing their role in the national effort to build a new community in Israel and their emotional connection to the land. The establishment of Eival marks a new chapter in the development and expansion of Jewish settlement in the northern Samaria area.