New Israeli Settlement Outpost Established South of Kedumim to Curb Arab Expansion

A new Israeli settlement outpost named "Sha'ar HaOz" has been established south of the longtime settlement Kedumim in the northern West Bank. The first families moved onto the land near the villages of Funduq and Hajjah, strategically positioned overlooking Highway 55. This location aims to provide immediate security and settlement presence to prevent infiltration by militants and to halt the illegal expansion and connection of nearby Arab villages, including Kedum, Hajjah, Funduq, and Amatin, over open lands.

The initiative was promoted by the Kedumim local council and its head, Ozal Vatick, who identified a core group of settlers and provided full support for their establishment. Sha'ar HaOz serves as a physical barrier between northern Samaria and the main traffic artery, Highway 55, enhancing security for residents and travelers alike. This outpost complements broader efforts including the development of the Nofei Gideon neighborhood on Mount Kidon and the construction of extensive new security roads around Kedumim.

The name "Sha'ar HaOz" (Gate of Strength) honors four Kedumim residents who were victims of terror attacks in Funduq: Shalom Sofer, Aliza Reiz, Rachel Cohen, and Ido Zoldan. The settlement's presence symbolizes both strategic expansion and a living memorial to the fallen.

Ozal Vatick emphasized the strategic necessity of the outpost to secure Kedumim and its surroundings, expressing gratitude to the council’s security and land departments, the military, the Civil Administration, and the Settlement Administration for their professional cooperation. He wished success to the pioneering families establishing their homes in this new extension of Kedumim.