In an emotional ceremony on Thursday, the new community of “Rom Gilboa” was formally established in northern Samaria, welcoming its first pioneer families into homes strategically located near Malkishua and Kibbutz Meirav, on high ground overlooking the Valley of Springs (Emek HaMa’ayanot). Rom Gilboa marks the 11th community established in northern Samaria in under a year, and the third to be founded this week alone.
1+Establishing the community provides a direct strategic and civilian answer to persistent terrorism in the sector.
The homes were raised directly on the ridgelines from which terrorist cells repeatedly launched sniper and small-arms fire toward Kibbutz Meirav,
agricultural roads, and nearby valley communities over recent years. By establishing an enduring civilian presence on this commanding topography, the move permanently secures a vital perimeter.The initiative represents a core milestone of the “Reconnection Plan” led by the Samaria Regional Council,
which envisions the establishment of 19 new communities across the northern sector to reverse the territorial vacuum created by the 2005 Disengagement—when Homesh, Sa-Nur, Ganim, and Kadim were uprooted—and firmly anchor Israeli sovereignty. The founding ceremony brought together senior government officials, Jewish community leaders, and representatives from veteran regional kibbutzim, highlighting a powerful cross-sector alliance.
1+Addressing the gathering, Minister for Social Equality Amichai Chikli praised the young residents: “What is happening here in northern Samaria is a reestablishment revolution unlike anything we have seen before. To see a group of young people arrive here and build lives—one can truly only salute you for your willingness to settle the land.” Samaria Governor Yossi Dagan outlined the long-term strategic vision for the ridge: “Just two weeks ago, there was nothing here. In the very place from which they used to shoot at Israeli communities, we are enacting Zionism and delivering security. Today it is a small community, but there will be a massive city here that will connect Samaria, the Valley of Springs, the Gilboa, and the Galilee.” A deeply emotional moment during the ceremony reflected the close bond between the veteran kibbutz movement in the valley and the young pioneers on the mountain.
Harel Ben Ari of Kibbutz Ein Harod told the new residents: “You are the continuation of Zionism. I see in you the continuation of ‘Tower and Stockade’ (Homa U’Migdal) and of all the frontier communities along the borders. The heart rises.” Col. (res.) Levi Givon of Kibbutz Meirav added: “Today, another protective circle of communities and farms has opened.” Noam Eldar, speaking on behalf of the founding families, shared the ideological drive behind their move: “After two years, we felt things were too comfortable. My wife and I said: we want more than this, and we searched for our next mission. Suddenly, this entire movement of communities arose under the leadership of Yossi and the council, and we said: we want to be partners in this. Connecting the Gilboa to Samaria is a dream.”
Rom Gilboa joins a rapid wave of recently established communities throughout northern Samaria, including Geva Shomron, Shalem, Rechavam, Eibal, Emek Dotan, and Noa. Alongside the revitalization of communities previously uprooted during the Disengagement, this strategic network continues to re-establish Israeli civilian dominance and long-term security control across the historic northern gateway.