First Buildings Erected in New West Bank Settlement Emek Dotan as Development Accelerates

The initial residential buildings have been placed in the newly established settlement of Emek Dotan, located in the heart of the biblical Emek Dotan valley in the northern West Bank. This settlement is part of the "Connection Plan" led by the Shomron Regional Council in cooperation with the Amana movement, aiming to establish 19 new settlements in northern Samaria. The initiative follows government decisions and is spearheaded by Defense Minister Israel Katz and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich.

Yossi Dagan, head of the Shomron Regional Council, visited the site alongside Yigal Tzarfati, Deputy Director of the Ministry of Education, during a professional tour focused on establishing educational institutions in the new settlements. Both participated in the placement of the buildings, with Dagan reciting the traditional "Shehecheyanu" blessing. Dagan emphasized the plan's significance, stating, "Where four settlements were uprooted, we are building 19. Instead of the Disengagement Plan, we are implementing the Connection Plan together with the entire State of Israel."

Dagan described Emek Dotan as destined to become a major center in northern Samaria, housing hundreds of families and thousands of Israeli citizens. He highlighted its importance not only geographically and historically but also municipally and organically. He expressed gratitude to partners advancing the project, including the Amana movement, Ze'ev Haver (Zambish), ministers Smotrich, Katz, Yoav Kish, and the Ministry of Education team.

Deputy Director Tzarfati underscored the ministry's commitment to providing educational services in the Shomron Regional Council and supporting new settlements. Rabbi Chaim Baruch, leader of pre-military institutions whose graduates are founding the settlement, remarked on the symbolic return to northern Samaria, aiming to restore unity and joy within Israeli society. He noted that Emek Dotan's establishment seeks to heal divisions that began historically in this region.

Dagan concluded by thanking the pioneering families moving to the area, praising their efforts in making the seemingly impossible possible and affirming, "The people of Israel are returning to northern Samaria, the people of Israel prevail!"