Pioneering Families Establish New Jewish Settlement on Mount Ebal in Northern Samaria

Dozens of pioneering families have established the new Jewish settlement of Ebal on Mount Ebal in northern Samaria, marking the first Jewish presence ever on this historically significant site. The settlement is located near the biblical "Altar of Joshua," attributed to Joshua son of Nun during the Israelites' entry into the land. The groundbreaking ceremony took place on Thursday with the participation of prominent Israeli officials, including Yossi Dagan, head of the Shomron Regional Council; Boaz Bismuth, chairman of the Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee; Simcha Rothman, chairman of the Constitution Committee; and other Knesset members and public figures.

Yossi Dagan called the day a historic milestone for the Jewish people and emphasized the strategic importance of the location. He praised the settlers as the spearhead of modern settlement efforts and reiterated the goal of reaching one million residents in Judea and Samaria. Dagan highlighted the settlement as a response to security challenges and terrorism by deepening Jewish roots in the land. Other speakers, including MK Yitzhak Goldknopf and MK Simcha Rothman, underscored the settlement as a clear declaration of Jewish resilience and sovereignty, with hopes for growth, community life, and religious institutions.

Residents like Sharla Kashi expressed emotional connection to the land and the community, viewing their move as a fulfillment of a national and ideological mission. Ze'ev Haver (Zambish), secretary-general of the Amana settlement movement, noted the settlement was established openly and with full government approval, representing the entire Jewish people. The ceremony reflected a broad political and public consensus supporting the expansion of Jewish presence in the area.

The new settlement is planned to grow to 600 families and become a large city in the heart of Samaria, symbolizing both historical continuity and future development. Officials emphasized that this initiative is part of a larger vision to strengthen Israel’s hold on Judea and Samaria and to build the future and security of the state.