Israeli Civil Administration Destroys Illegal Palestinian Structures Ahead of Northern West Bank Settlements Return

The Civil Administration's enforcement unit demolished dozens of illegal Palestinian structures near the West Bank settlements of Ganim and Kadim in northern Samaria on Wednesday. This operation was conducted ahead of the planned return of settler families to these areas later this week. The demolitions targeted unauthorized buildings along roads and spaces adjacent to the settlements, as part of a broader government policy to strengthen Israeli governance in Judea and Samaria.

The enforcement wave follows a similar demolition on Tuesday of an illegal structure covering approximately 850 square meters near the settlement of Sha-Nur, which was established a few months ago. These actions are linked to the government's preparations for reestablishing four settlements in northern Samaria that were evacuated about 21 years ago, with Ganim and Kadim among them. The reestablishment was approved by the government cabinet under the leadership of Defense Minister Bezalel Smotrich.

Minister Smotrich described the demolitions as a vital step to fortify Israeli settlements in the West Bank, which he characterized as a security buffer for the entire state of Israel. He criticized previous government policies that led to evacuations and pledged to prevent such outcomes in the future. Smotrich also expressed gratitude to the Civil Administration's enforcement unit, infrastructure branch, and security forces for their role in advancing the government's vision and strengthening Israeli authority in the region and across the country.