Finance Minister and Defense Ministry official Bezalel Smotrich announced Monday the legalization of two towns in Judea and Samaria—Avigayil and Mitzpe Kramim—and the advancement of 541 new housing units, a strategic boost to construction in the territory.
Under the plans, Avigayil in the Hebron Hills will get approval for 278 housing units, finalizing the legal status of the town established in 2001. Mitzpe Kramim in the Binyamin region will advance a plan for 63 units, ending a 27-year legal battle. Additionally, Kiryat Arba will see approval for 200 new housing units.
Smotrich praised the move: “Advancing the plans in Avigayil and Mitzpe Kramim are very important developments for the settlement enterprise, and they deliver justice to the heroic pioneers who for more than 25 years have fought to hold onto the land of our forefathers. This is good news for the stability, security, and resilience of the State of Israel.”
Smotrich added a political jab: “Facing an Eisenkot-Liberman-Golan government that wants to evacuate settlements and establish a Palestinian state, we are legalizing the settlements of Avigayil and Mitzpe Kramim. Not with words but with actions. We will continue to lead a broad wave of construction and legalization because this land belongs to us, it’s that simple.”