The government recognized the independence of 13 communities in Judea and Samaria.

• In the Binyamin Regional Council: Alon, Harasha, Kerem Re’im, Neria, Migron, Shvut Rachel
• In the Megilot Regional Council: Avnet
• In the Jordan Valley Regional Council: Brosh HaBika’a – Bitaronot
• In the Shomron Regional Council: Leshem, Nofei Nehemia, Tal Menashe
• In the Gush Etzion Regional Council: Ibei Hanachal, Gevaot

This decision includes the symbolic separation of these communities from their parent settlements – a significant step that will lead to improved services and infrastructure for the communities and strengthen the settlement enterprise.

Israel Gantz, Head of the Binyamin Regional Council and Chairman of the Yesha Council:

“A day of celebration for the entire settlement enterprise – logic is beginning to return to Judea and Samaria. Last night’s Cabinet decision is another important step taken by the government on the path to erasing the Oslo disaster and towards normalization of all communities in Judea & Samaria.
It is time for the State of Israel to take responsibility for over half a million Israeli citizens living under military rule and declare full Israeli law and sovereignty over Judea & Samaria.
We thank Prime Minister Netanyahu, the Cabinet ministers for this important decision, and Minister Smotrich and his team at the Settlement Administration for the revolution they are leading.”

Yossi Dagan, Head of the Shomron Regional Council:

“A major development for the settlements in Judea & Samaria and for the entire State of Israel, and another significant step in the normalization of the young communities. For years we have worked to promote this process, understanding that the independence of these communities is essential to their development and to strengthening the entire settlement movement.
About a year ago, I met with Minister Bezalel Smotrich, presented him with the critical need to separate the communities, and asked him to advance it. Today, I am proud and excited to see these efforts bear fruit.
This recognition will allow for accelerated development of the communities, improvement of services for residents, and strengthening of settlement in the Shomron and all of Judea and Samaria.
I thank Minister Bezalel Smotrich for his leadership and commitment, and all the partners who worked to advance the decision.
This is another step – but not the last. We will continue to work with full force to regulate all the communities in the Shomron.”

Yaron Rosenthal, Head of the Gush Etzion Regional Council:

“Many years ago, pioneers who came, faced all the challenges of  settling  a new area, and established thriving communities in Gevaot and Ibei Hanachal.
For political reasons, the state did not recognize these communities as independent settlements.
We thank the Settlement Administration and Minister Bezalel Smotrich for the joint effort and the tremendous achievement they led – official recognition of these communities as separate settlements.
Gush Etzion awakens to an emotional morning with amazing news – two more independent communities will strengthen our hold on this beautiful mountain.”

David Elhayani, Head of the Jordan Valley Regional Council:

“The correct way to strengthen settlement and security is by establishing communities. I want to thank the Prime Minister, Cabinet members, the Settlement Administration, and Minister Smotrich, who are working even now to strengthen the status of the Jordan Valley.”

Aryeh Cohen, Head of the Megilot Regional Council:

“We welcome the Cabinet's decision to approve the separation of the community of Avenat from Mitzpe Shalem and its recognition as an independent settlement.
This is an important step that allows each community to develop and grow according to its unique needs. The move strengthens the entire region and creates new opportunities that will contribute to the well-being of residents and the future of the communities.”

This move comes after a year-long intensive effort by local council heads, during which they met with Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and presented the critical need to separate the communities.
Now, with the decision made, the communities can operate as independent municipal units, allowing for the advancement of projects, strengthening of infrastructure, and improvement of services for residents.

This step is part of the broader regulation of settlement, aimed at normalizing residents’ lives and strengthening the entire settlement enterprise.

In the photo: Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich with the Chairman of the Yesha Council and Head of the Binyamin Regional Council, Israel Gantz, during a visit to the community of Migron on the morning of the decision.
Photo credit: Binyamin Spokesperson's Office.