Malakhi HaShalom Recognized as Official Settlement 11 Years After Establishment in Binyamin

The community of Malakhi HaShalom in the Binyamin region officially became a recognized settlement 11 years after its founding. The settlement was established in 2015 as an agricultural farm a day after Malakhi Rosenfeld was murdered in a terror attack. It was named in memory of Malakhi Rosenfeld and Shalom (Shuli) Har Melech, both victims of terrorism in the area. The settlement currently comprises about 40 families and serves as a community center for nearby farms.

The formal recognition came through a government decision in 2023, and residents recently marked the completion of all regulatory steps with a ceremony attended by founding families, members of the Rosenfeld and Har Melech families, government ministers, Knesset members, and local residents. Israel Gantz, head of the Binyamin Regional Council and chairman of the Yesha Council, called the day a "historic justice" and pledged to continue building and settling in their memory. He thanked the families and government officials, including Settlement Minister Orit Strook and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, for their support.

Minister Strook described Malakhi HaShalom as a symbol of love for the land overcoming obstacles. The Binyamin Regional Council announced plans for new settlements such as Knafey Shachar and Matzukei Eretz to expand the settlement bloc along Alon Road and strengthen the eastern Binyamin area.