In a bold and unapologetic move signaling Israel’s unshakeable commitment to its ancestral heartland, the Israeli government has officially approved the construction of over 1,000 new housing units in the town of Eli, located in southern Samaria — a community that has endured the trauma of multiple deadly terrorist attacks in recent years.

This dramatic expansion, which is set to nearly double the town’s size, is being hailed as a strategic and moral victory against terror and foreign pressure, and a resounding affirmation of the Jewish people's right to live securely in their historic homeland.

Building in Defiance: From Mourning to Growth

The Binyamin Regional Council confirmed the approval on Wednesday. The construction will span three key neighborhoods:

• 414 units across Nof Harim and Hayovel

• 650 units in Nofei Eliraz

The move is widely viewed as a response to two heinous terrorist attacks that rocked the community. The first occurred on June 20, 2023, when Hamas gunmen opened fire at a gas station along Route 60, murdering four Israeli civilians, including two teenagers. Barely eight months later, the same site was struck again on February 29, 2024, leaving two more innocents dead, one of whom was just 16 years old.

"We don't target civilians" Hamas say. They lie.

Two Israelis have been murdered by a terror cell armed with rifles at the entrance to Eli in Judea & Samaria.

At least one terrorist shot dead, security forces have set up checkpoints and are searching for additional suspects. pic.twitter.com/JruluqdhH6

— Kilkenny Friends of Israel 🇮🇱 (@KilkennyOf) February 29, 2024

“We’ve fought for this — not only to rebuild what was shattered, but to expand in strength and resolve,” said Israel Ganz, head of the Binyamin Regional Council. “Thanks to the tireless efforts of Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich’sdedicated team, and despite relentless political opposition, we are finally seeing justice through construction.”

More to Come: Eli's Growth Engine Unleashed

And this is only the beginning. The Council is now working closely with Minister Smotrich — who also oversees civilian affairs in Judea and Samaria through his Defense Ministry portfolio — to push forward approval for an additional 347 homes in Palgei Mayim, another Eli neighborhood. If greenlit, this would cement Eli’s transformation from a vulnerable outpost into a thriving, fortified community at the forefront of the Zionist enterprise.

“May we only continue to share such good news — news of growth, strength, and the rebuilding of our beloved homeland,” Ganz added.

Israel to expand Jewish communities in Judea and Samaria, reestablishing Sa-Nur and building 21 new villages, in response to Macron's Palestinian statehood push, says Defense Minister Katz.#AmYisraelChai #FAFOhttps://t.co/ObbJRwuGGL

— Mark Bowron (@MarkBowron420) May 30, 2025

Part of a Larger Movement: A New Era in Judea and Samaria

This expansion is not occurring in a vacuum. It follows a sweeping and unprecedented decision by the Israeli Security Cabinet, which just days ago authorized the establishment of 22 new Jewish communities throughout Judea and Samaria.

Among these:

• Two resettlements in northern Samaria, reversing the 2005 Gaza disengagement that led to their evacuation.

• The regularization of previously unauthorized outposts, now transitioning to full legal status.

• Several brand-new communities aimed at solidifying Israel’s strategic depth and demographic foothold.

“We made a historic decision for the future of the Jewish people in their land,” Smotrich declared. “This is not just construction — it is redemption, restoration, and resistance to those who wish to erase our claim to our homeland.”

He continued:

“With God’s help, we are returning Israel to a path of building, vision, and unapologetic Zionism. Settlement is not only a right — it is a duty. Every new home in Judea and Samaria is a fortress for Israel's future.”

Diplomatic Pushback: Israel Warns Europe

While bricks are laid in Samaria, diplomatic warnings are being issued in Europe. In light of recent reports that France, the UK, and other European powers are considering unilateral recognition of a Palestinian state, Israeli officials are sounding alarms and threatening strong countermeasures.

BREAKING 🔴

Overnight, the Israel Cabinet approved Minister Smotrich’s proposal to officially recognize 13 new Jewish communities in Judea and Samaria. pic.twitter.com/MCqwkOWVFN

— Open Source Intel (@Osint613) March 23, 2025

According to Israel Hayom, Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar and Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer have directly warned European counterparts that such recognition could result in accelerated Israeli sovereignty measures in Judea and Samaria.

“Unilateral actions against Israel will be met with unilateral actions by Israel,” Sa’ar reportedly stated in closed-door meetings, underscoring that any international attempt to predetermine borders or undermine Israeli policy will backfire.

Summary

Israel is not merely building houses in Eli. It is constructing a shield against terror, a rebuke to international hypocrisy, and a renewed declaration of Jewish sovereignty in the Land of Israel. In the face of bloodshed and foreign interference, the response is clear: Build, strengthen, and endure.