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Smotrich said the move advances what he called de facto sovereignty on the ground and is intended to prevent the emergence of a Palestinian state.
By United with Israel Staff
Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich welcomed what he described as a major step toward strengthening Israel’s presence in Judea and Samaria after the head of Central Command signed a series of orders formally defining jurisdictional boundaries for eight Jewish communities in the area.
The legal step was finalized Sunday when Maj. Gen. Avi Bluth, commander of Israel’s Central Command, signed eight new orders establishing or expanding municipal jurisdictions across Judea and Samaria. The initiative was advanced by the Settlement Administration and the Civil Administration.
According to officials, the orders are designed not only to resolve long-standing planning and regulatory gaps, but also to draw permanent boundaries aimed at blocking future territorial contiguity that could enable a Palestinian state.
The decisions cover six newer communities across five regional councils, along with expanded jurisdiction in the Binyamin Regional Council.
In northern Samaria, jurisdiction for Homesh was formally reestablished nearly 20 years after it was dismantled under Israel’s 2005 disengagement plan. Jurisdiction was also defined for Mount Ebal.
In the southern Hebron Hills, the community of Yonadav received official jurisdictional status. In Gush Etzion, the community of Gvaot was regulated, while in the Megillot region, jurisdiction was established for Kedem Arava. In the Jordan Valley, the western section of Yitav was included under the new framework.
Within Binyamin, the young community of Bnei Adam received final regulatory recognition, and the boundaries of the veteran community of Ofra were significantly expanded.
Smotrich said the move advances what he called de facto sovereignty on the ground and is intended to prevent the emergence of a Palestinian state. He pointed in particular to the renewed recognition of Homesh, describing the return to the site as a symbol of Jewish resilience and national spirit.
From a practical standpoint, the signing of the orders marks a key legal milestone, enabling authorities to advance zoning plans, issue building permits, and develop infrastructure immediately and lawfully in these communities.
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