Israel approves over 1,000 new homes in Samaria, eyes further expansion

New construction in Samaria follows deadly attacks; government warns Europe over potential recognition of Palestinian state

By David Brummer, World Israel News

The Israeli government on Wednesday gave final approval for the construction of more than 1,000 new housing units in the Samarian town of Eli, according to the Israel365 News website.

The development will significantly expand the community that has been the site of recent deadly terrorist attacks.

According to the Binyamin Regional Council, the approval includes 414 units in the Nof Harim and Hayovel neighborhoods and 650 in Nofei Eliraz, nearly doubling Eli’s current size.

Council head Israel Ganz said the move follows years of advocacy, particularly after two terrorist attacks at the town’s gas station along Route 60.

On June 20, 2023, four civilians — including two teenagers — were killed in a Hamas-led shooting.

A second attack on February 29, 2024, claimed the lives of two more, one just 16 years old.

Ganz credited Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, who also oversees civilian affairs in Judea and Samaria within the Defense Ministry, for pushing the approvals through after a lengthy objection process.

He added that efforts are underway to authorize another 347 homes in Eli’s Palgei Mayim neighborhood.

“May we continue to share good news and rejoice in the building of the Land [of Israel],” said Ganz.

The announcement comes days after the Security Cabinet approved the recognition of 22 new Jewish communities in Judea and Samaria, including two in northern Samaria dismantled during Israel’s 2005 Gaza disengagement.

Some of the approved communities are unauthorized outposts now slated for legalization, while others are new.

“We made a historic decision,” said Smotrich last week. “With God’s help, we have returned Israel to a path of building, Zionism and vision.”

Meanwhile, the Israeli government has reportedly warned European powers that recognizing a Palestinian state could trigger an Israeli response.

According to the Israel Hayom newspaper, Foreign Minister Gideon Saar and Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer told counterparts in France, the UK, and others that unilateral moves could prompt Israel to annex parts of Area C in Judea and Samaria and legalize existing outposts.

“Unilateral moves against Israel will be met with unilateral moves by Israel,” Saar reportedly said.

Bezalel SmotrichGideon SaarIsrael GanzSamaria