Hebrew Channel: Strategic Move.. Smotrich Approves Marketing of a Massive Settlement Industrial Zone in the West Bank

Translation by SadaNews - Channel 14 revealed on Thursday evening that the Civil Administration and the Settlement Division in the Israeli Ministry of Defense have approved the marketing of a massive economic settlement project.

According to the Hebrew channel, as translated by SadaNews, this step came under the guidance and approval of Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, who is also a minister in the Israeli Ministry of Defense.

The project aims to establish the industrial zone "Bustan Hefts," a massive complex expected to change the face of the area and provide a significant economic boost for Israelis, according to the channel.

The new industrial area extends over 788 dunams and will include 54 complexes designated for various uses including industry, trade, logistics, and transport.

The site is considered extremely strategic, as it is located near the settlement of Afnai Hefts, close to Tulkarm, and just ten minutes by car from Highway 6 and the Nitzanei Oz intersection, about half an hour's drive from the city of Netanya.

The establishment of this complex comes after many years of delays and difficulties, as the planning was completed a few months ago, and now, after obtaining the marketing approval, entrepreneurs and companies will be able to start submitting proposals to establish factories and commercial projects in the area, as the channel and SadaNews translated.

The Israeli political elite views the project as a strategic security event, not just economic.

According to settlement sources, creating an industrial zone of this size will create a sustainable work environment and enhance Israel's control over the contact line area.

Smotrich welcomed this move, stating: "We continue to write history in Judea and Samaria (the West Bank). Alongside building tens of thousands of homes and the goal of bringing a million residents (settlers) to the area, we are heavily investing in enhancing infrastructure, roads, and new industrial areas."

Smotrich added: "The establishment of this industrial zone, just minutes away from Nitzanei Oz and Kfar Yona, provides a protective layer and enhances the contact area... this step ensures that no Palestinian state will be established... I thank the Civil Administration and the Settlement Division for leading this strategic move."