New Israeli Settlement 'Mitzukei Eretz' Planned Near Alon Road in West Bank
The founding group of the new settlement "Mitzukei Eretz" recently held its first meeting in preparation for establishing the community near Alon Road, between the existing settlements of Rimonim and Alon. This initiative is part of a broader government plan to create approximately six new settlements in Judea and Samaria (the West Bank) this summer, following a decision by the Israeli Security Cabinet to expand and formalize settlements in the area. The project is coordinated by the Ministry of Settlement, the Settlement Division, and Amana, a settlement development company.
The regional council of Mateh Binyamin emphasized the strategic importance of Alon Road, which serves as a critical transportation artery and a defense line along Israel's eastern border. Establishing Mitzukei Eretz aims to strengthen Israeli presence in the Rimonim area and enhance security along this vital route.
Israel Gantz, head of the Mateh Binyamin Regional Council and chairman of the Yesha Council, highlighted the settlement as a concrete expression of sovereignty, countering attempts to weaken Israeli control. He noted that prior to the October 7 attacks, militants frequently targeted travelers on Alon Road, but recent establishment of farms along the road has significantly reduced such attacks. The new settlement will build on this progress by creating a permanent community.
Settlement Minister Orit Strook described the settlement drive as a strategic effort to reverse the effects of 30 years of Oslo Accords policies, reclaiming land and establishing a security buffer through settlement expansion. She stressed the importance of ensuring these new communities are physically established on the ground, not just planned on paper, especially given ongoing threats from hostile groups seeking to seize these areas.
The project enjoys full support from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, Defense Minister Israel Katz, and other senior officials, who are committed to continuing settlement growth and deepening Israeli roots in the heart of the country.
