New Israeli Settlement Emek Dotan Established in Northern West Bank

The first families moved into their homes this Sunday in the newly established settlement of Emek Dotan in northern Samaria, marking the official start of settlement activity there. Trucks carrying equipment arrived on site, and members of the founding group entered the prepared buildings. Emek Dotan is the fifth settlement established by the Samaria Regional Council within less than a year and the first in northern Samaria near communities evacuated during the disengagement plan.

An official inauguration ceremony is planned with participation from Samaria Regional Council head Yossi Dagan, Education Minister Yoav Kisch, Minister Ze'ev Elkin, and Knesset members Keti Shitrit, Boaz Bismuth, and Nissim Vaturi. Also attending will be Ze'ev Haver, secretary-general of the Amana movement, and Rabbi Chaim Baruch, head of yeshiva institutions in Baruchin, Lod, and Tiberias. Some of the initial settlers include families of yeshiva graduates under Rabbi Baruch's leadership.

The settlement's establishment follows a government cabinet decision made about a year ago, led by Defense Minister Israel Katz and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich. The Samaria Council describes this as part of the "Connection Plan," which aims to create 19 new settlements in northern Samaria, and the "Million in Samaria Plan" promoted by the council. Emek Dotan is located near the biblical Emek Dotan, where Joseph sought his brothers, symbolizing a historic and spiritual connection.

Yossi Dagan welcomed the new families, calling the day a fulfillment of a generational dream and a testament to the enduring Zionist spirit and Israel's connection to its land. He emphasized that Emek Dotan represents more than a new settlement; it is a step toward building a large, strong, and thriving community and advancing settlement growth throughout Samaria. New resident Hadass Weiss expressed excitement about helping settle the land and described joining the founding group as a meaningful and joyful decision.