Over 4,000 Families Register for New Settlements in Northern West Bank

The Shomron Regional Council and the Emunah movement report that over 4,000 families have registered to join the settlement cores in 19 new communities planned for northern Shomron (West Bank). So far, only a few hundred families have been accepted due to limitations in space, budget, and infrastructure, leaving thousands on a waiting list for the project's expansion. Yossi Dagan, head of the Shomron Council, expressed enthusiasm about the high demand and assured that efforts are underway to expand the settlements to accommodate more families.

This historic initiative is part of the "Connection Plan," promoted following a government cabinet decision led by Defense Minister Israel Katz and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich. The plan is integrated into the "Million in Shomron" strategy developed by Dagan and his team of planners, engineers, and geographers. It aims to establish 18 settlements, including the four northern Shomron communities evacuated during the disengagement plan, Homesh, Sa-Nur, Ganim, and Kadim, alongside 15 additional new settlements at strategic locations approved by the government.

Demographic data reveals that about half of the registrants come from Judea and Samaria, with another 30% from central Israel and Jerusalem, including cities like Tel Aviv, Petah Tikva, and Netanya. Jewish families from abroad, including Switzerland and Miami, are also considering immigration to Israel due to this initiative. Approximately 50% of applicants are young couples in their 20s, and 30% are aged 30 to 55. Employment-wise, 40% work in education and care professions, while 25% are employed in high-tech, engineering, and freelance professions.

Recently, a core group of families settled on Mount Eival, where a branch of the Alon Moreh Yeshiva operates. Graduates of the Eli Yeshiva will establish the Ganim settlement, and graduates of the Tel Aviv Yeshiva will populate Kadim. A branch of the Baruchin Yeshiva will be set up in the Dotan Valley, with additional cores expected to settle in the coming months. Alongside housing development, the council is working to establish community frameworks and educational institutions, including a branch of the "Bnei David" Yeshiva from Eli led by Rabbi Neria Bulak and pre-military institutions headed by Rabbi Chaim Baruch.