Revelation of Israel's Expansion of Homesh Settlement as Part of a Resettlement Plan for Northern West Bank

SadaNews Translation - The order to seize Palestinian lands in the northern West Bank reveals Israeli settlement ambitions to expand the Homesh settlement.

The decision was signed by the so-called Israeli army commander in the West Bank, Avi Blot, who will seize Palestinian lands to double the area of the settlement from its original size, in addition to creating isolated Palestinian enclaves in the surrounding area.

According to the Hebrew newspaper Yedioth Ahronoth, as translated by SadaNews, the order was signed by Blot at the behest of the Minister of Settlement in the Israeli Ministry of Defense, Itamar Ben Gvir.

The order issued by Blot defines all lands classified as "State lands" and even those Palestinian lands nearby, as being within the settlement's scope, while classifying some of those Palestinian lands as remaining within isolated pockets, thus allowing the settlement area to expand to 1,537 dunams. This move aims to significantly increase its area and lays the groundwork for settlement growth in the region over the coming years.

In addition, a determination was made regarding the jurisdiction of 7 additional sites in Hebron, the Jordan Valley, Mount Ebal near Nablus, and other areas near Ofra in Ramallah, as planning and development areas for legal construction, which are essentially settlement outposts.

This step comes as part of a series of recent decisions related to resettling the northern West Bank.

Last week, Yedioth Ahronoth reported that settlers are expected to be moved to settlements in the northern West Bank by the time of the "Purim" holiday in March, as a plan was approved for building 126 settlement units.

Ben Gvir stated that signing an agreement to expand the Homesh settlement and resettle settlers there represents a historic correction moment and another step towards achieving our vision: enhancing settlement, deepening our control over the land, and preventing the establishment of a terrorist Palestinian state in the heart of the land. As he said, according to SadaNews translation.

Meanwhile, the "Peace Now" movement responded by saying, "The government is establishing a massive settlement that will create a tremendous security burden, while plundering private Palestinian lands," asserting that this is "foolishness that contradicts Israeli interests and all logic... It seems that the government is rushing towards de facto annexation of the West Bank, showing support for Trump."