Israeli Diaspora Minister Visits Northern West Bank, Calls 2005 Disengagement a Tragedy

Israeli Minister of Diaspora Affairs and Combating Antisemitism Amichai Shikli toured northern Samaria (West Bank) alongside Shomron Regional Council head Yossi Dagan. Their visit included stops at the ancient fortress of Sha-Nur and the new community of Emek Dotan. Dagan, who returned to live in Sha-Nur 21 years after being expelled during Israel's 2005 disengagement plan, recounted the vow made by expelled residents to reclaim the settlements and raise the Israeli flag again over the fortress. "This was exactly 21 years ago," Dagan said, pointing to the flag now flying atop the fortress, calling it a fulfilled pledge.

During the visit, Shikli recited the traditional "Matzev Gvul Almah" blessing at the local synagogue, a prayer said upon witnessing new Jewish settlements in the Land of Israel. He also toured the Shomron National Park, whose development is supported by his ministry alongside the Ministry of Heritage and the Ministry of Environmental Protection.

Shikli described the 2005 disengagement as "one of the most disastrous moves for the Jewish people," second only to the Oslo Accords, which he said paved the way for the disengagement. Reflecting on his personal connection, Shikli, a former Golani Brigade soldier who served in the area, expressed emotion at returning to bless the renewal of Jewish settlement in northern Samaria.