Development Nears Completion for Reestablishing Kedem Settlement 21 Years After Disengagement

The Shomron Regional Council and the Amana settlement movement are finalizing infrastructure work to rebuild the Kedem settlement in northern Shomron, which was evacuated during the 2005 disengagement from Gaza and northern Shomron. This development is part of the "Connection Plan," led by the Shomron Council, aiming to replace four evacuated settlements with 19 new ones in the region. The initiative follows a government decision spearheaded by Defense Minister Israel Katz and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, and is linked to the "Million in Shomron" plan promoted in 2023 by Shomron Council head Yossi Dagan to relocate one million Israelis to the area.

Extensive earthworks, road construction, and installation of electricity, water, and sewage infrastructure have been completed, along with preparation of public spaces. In the coming weeks, families primarily from Tel Aviv and the greater Gush Dan area, including graduates of Zionist yeshivas and Iron Swords war reservists, will begin settling the area. The establishment of Kedem marks a significant milestone in a two-decade struggle led by Yossi Dagan and former residents of Homesh and Sa-Nur to overturn the disengagement law and renew settlement in northern Shomron.

Yossi Dagan described the moment as historic, emphasizing that the heavy machinery symbolizes the triumph of settlement and the State of Israel, restoring life to northern Shomron and correcting a historical injustice. Oz Zohar, head of the pioneering group, expressed great excitement about the development work and the responsibility felt in renewing the settlement. Preparations continue intensively as the community prepares to build a thriving and strong new settlement.