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Israeli Ministers Celebrate Re-establishment of Sa-Nur Settlement in ...
In a significant development related to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, Israeli government ministers have publicly celebrated the decision to re-establish the Sa-Nur settlement in the West Bank. Sa-Nur is one of four former settlements in the area that have received official government approval for re-establishment, nearly two decades after the original settlers were evicted. The re-establishment of these settlements marks a pivotal shift in Israeli policy towards the West Bank, an area that has been a focal point of contention between Israelis and Palestinians for many years. The Sa-Nur settlement, along with three others, represents a revival of communities that were previously dismantled in efforts to manage and stabilize the region. Officials from the Israeli government expressed optimism about the move, highlighting the historical and strategic importance of the Sa-Nur settlement. They emphasized that restoring these settlements is part of a broader initiative to strengthen Israeli presence in the West Bank and to provide security and stability for Israeli citizens living in the area. The original eviction of settlers from Sa-Nur occurred approximately twenty years ago, as part of wider disengagement plans that aimed to reduce tensions in the region. However, with changes in political leadership and shifting priorities, there has been renewed momentum towards resettlement. Supporters of the re-establishment argue that these settlements are crucial for Israel’s national security and cultural heritage. They contend that reclaiming Sa-Nur and similar sites helps reinforce the connection between the Israeli people and historical land. Critics, however, warn that expanding settlements in the West Bank could further inflame tensions with Palestinians and complicate peace negotiations. The international community remains divided on the issue, with many countries viewing settlement expansion as a hindrance to the two-state solution. Despite the controversy, the Israeli cabinet has officially endorsed the plan, and initial steps towards rebuilding Sa-Nur have begun. Infrastructure development is underway, with plans to provide housing, schools, and community facilities to accommodate returning settlers. Local Israeli leaders have welcomed the announcement, viewing it as a revival of community life that was disrupted two decades ago. They are hopeful that Sa-Nur will once again become a vibrant settlement contributing to the cultural and economic vitality of ...
Israeli ministers celebrate re-establishment of Sa-Nur West Bank ...
Sa-Nur is one of four former settlements in the West Bank approved by the Israeli government two decades after settlers were evicted.Israeli ministers Bezalel Smotrich and Israel Katz have attended the official reopening of the Sa-Nur settlement in the occupied West Bank, nearly 21 years after the illegal settlement was evacuated in 2005.“On this exciting day, we celebrate a historic correction to the criminal expulsion,” Finance Minister Smotrich said in his speech at the ribbon-cutting ceremony on Sunday, the AFP news agency reported. He said Israeli authorities were also “burying the idea of a Palestinian state”.Recommended Stories list of 3 itemslist 1 of 3As world focuses on Iran, Israel ‘engineering starvation policy’ in Gazalist 2 of 3France arrests suspect over 1982 attack on Jewish restaurantlist 3 of 3Satellite images reveal Israel expanding Gaza military sitesend of listAuthorities have approved 126 housing units in the northern West Bank settlement, south of Jenin, and 16 families have now moved in. Yossi Dagan, head of the West Bank Settlements Council, was among those who left Sa-Nur in 2005, and he described moving back as a “personal closing of a circle”, adding: “We have returned to stay.”Reversing disengagement policyThe Sa-Nur settlement was evicted as part of the disengagement policy that also saw settlers removed from Gaza. Settlers have attempted to re-establish it over the years, and it is one of four former West Bank settlements to recently be approved by the Israeli government, in violation of international law.In March 2023, the Knesset passed an amendment to the disengagement law that prohibited Israeli settlers from staying in the former settlements of Sa-Nur, Homesh, Ganim and Kadim. Last May, Smotrich, himself a settler, announced plans for 22 new settlements in the West Bank, including Sa-Nur and Homesh. In December, Ganim and Kadim were among a list of illegal outposts recognised as settlements by the government.Israeli settlers place an Israeli flag atop a building, on the day of the re-establishment of the settlement of Sa-Nur, which was evacuated as part of Israel’s 2005 disengagement, in Sa-Nur in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, April 19, 2026 [Shir Torem/Reuters]Around 700,000 settlers live in the West Bank and East Jerusalem, with settlement expansion increasing under the government of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, particularly since the formation of his right-wing coalition following the 2022 election.Rights grou...
Israel reopens Sa-Nur settlement in the West Bank
An illegal settlement in the occupied West Bank that was evacuated 20 years ago has been rebuilt and handed over by Israeli ministers. "We are ending the shame of withdrawal, burying the idea of a Palestinian state and returning to the Sa-Nur settlement," Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich said during the inauguration ceremony on Sunday.
Israel formally re-establishes Sa-Nur settlement near Jenin
epa12900346 The Israeli settlement of Sa-Nur during its resettlement ceremony near the West Bank city of Jenin, 19 April 2026. In May 2025, the Israeli government officially approved the re-establishment of the Sa-Nur settlement, marking the community's formal return two decades after its 2005 evacuation.
