Haaretz Report Details Shomron Council Head Yossi Dagan's Extensive Influence

A three-page investigative report published by Haaretz and TheMarker details the significant power and influence wielded by Yossi Dagan, the head of the Shomron Regional Council. Journalist Haggai Amit's report highlights Dagan's extensive connections within the Israeli government, security establishment, and international circles, and how he leverages these relationships to advance settlement in Judea and Samaria.

According to the investigation, Dagan has become a key figure in decision-making concerning the Shomron region, operating simultaneously within Israeli politics and among global decision-makers. The report notes his "cooperation with decision-makers worldwide," stating his international activities aid in promoting his political objectives. His connections include figures close to former U.S. President Donald Trump, such as Mike Huckabee and Paula White, Trump's spiritual advisor. The report also mentions the visit of Argentinian President Javier Milei to the Shomron.

A senior official from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs commented, "You cannot underestimate him," explaining that Dagan "connects with politicians and becomes their source of information." This official specified that Dagan targets influential individuals in Congress who control budgets, not just casual figures. The report also details Dagan's work with Congresswoman Claudia Tenney to promote the Judea and Samaria Caucus in the U.S. Congress and his engagement with the European Parliament's friendship group in Brussels. One initiative mentioned is the promotion of a bill to ban the term "West Bank" in official U.S. contexts. The Foreign Ministry official added, "On a professional level, he does excellent work. His goal is to prevent decisions against the West Bank."

Within Israel, Dagan is portrayed as having substantial political sway. The report states he is "worth billions to the Shomron" and, regarding his relationship with the Finance Minister, notes, "The Finance Minister lives at his council, he dictates Israel's policy in the territories." A Likud official quoted in the report described Dagan as a "brand in the Likud," stating, "He is strong and functional, and they reckon with him. When he speaks, ministers listen, pay him respect, and want to cooperate with him because he has mobilization capabilities."

The investigation also touches upon Dagan's ties to the security establishment. A former senior officer described Dagan as possessing "fantastic, almost magical interpersonal skills" and called him "the king of the Shomron politically, administratively, and in terms of field connections." This officer added, "Commanders of the [military] commands and brigade commanders change, he always remains in the field." He further stated, "Whether it was Gabi Ashkenazi or Gadi Eisenkot, everyone sat with him."

Concluding the report, Haggai Amit suggests that even changes in government leadership would not necessarily diminish Dagan's standing, predicting the Shomron Council head will remain "one of the strongest people in the country."