New Israeli Settlement Eival Established in Northern Samaria with First Families Moving In

The first families of the Eival settlement core began moving into the newly established community in northern Samaria on Thursday morning. Trucks loaded with equipment and appliances arrived at the hill where caravan buildings had been set up for the residents. Additional families are expected to join throughout the summer as the community expands. According to Yossi Dagan, head of the Shomron Regional Council, the plan is to grow Eival into a settlement housing hundreds of families.

The establishment of Eival follows a government cabinet decision made about a year ago, led by ministers Israel Katz and Bezalel Smotrich. It is part of the Shomron Council's "Connection Plan," which aims to create 19 new settlements in the northern Samaria region. The council stated the plan's goals are to strengthen security and expand Jewish settlement in the area.

Eival is located on a site with no prior Jewish settlement but contains archaeological remains identified as the altar of Joshua son of Nun. The settlement's strategic importance is highlighted by its elevation, central location, and the presence of a military base nearby. A formal inauguration ceremony for Eival is scheduled for Thursday afternoon, with participation from Knesset members and public figures.

Yossi Dagan attended the arrival of the first families to oversee unloading and to welcome them, calling the event a significant moment for Zionists and a new chapter in settlement. He stated, "This land waited empty for thousands of years; 600 families will live here." Among the first residents, Noam and Naama Ozari expressed their view of the move as part of building a new settlement in Israel, saying, "The Land of Israel awaits us and welcomes us with love."