Israel Officially Recognizes Two New Settlements in West Bank

The Israeli Ministry of Interior has officially recognized two new settlements in the West Bank, Karmi Oz (also known as Givat Harel) in the Mateh Binyamin Regional Council and Sahalav in the Shomron Regional Council. This recognition completes the formal registration process for both communities, allowing them to receive government services such as postal delivery, water connections, and security personnel allocations, and to develop as independent, officially recognized settlements.

Karmi Oz, established 28 years ago, is considered a young settlement, and the approval of its official emblem marks the end of its formalization process. Sahalav was declared a new settlement in December 2025 by the Israeli Security Cabinet, with plans to build a large town spanning approximately 4,500 dunams. The granting of the settlement emblem finalizes its official status.

The process followed extensive coordination between the Civil Administration, the Settlement Division of the Ministry of Defense, and the Central Command, with Major General Avi Blot signing the jurisdictional boundaries. Once the emblem is granted, the settlements are officially recognized by all government ministries.

Religious Zionism Party leader and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich praised the achievement, noting that within six months, 39 settlement emblems have been granted as part of establishing new settlements and formalizing young communities. He emphasized that settlement growth in the West Bank continues robustly despite opposition from the previous government, which he accused of seeking to dismantle settlements and establish a Palestinian state. Smotrich thanked the Ministry of Interior, Central Command, Civil Administration, and Settlement Division for their roles in advancing these efforts.