Settler families reestablish West Bank settlement of Ganim 21 years after evacuation

Settler families have reestablished the West Bank settlement of Ganim, 21 years after Israel withdrew its citizens from the area under the 2005 disengagement plan. The move, which saw some 30 families return, was lauded by Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich as "erasing the disgrace of expulsion and strengthening Judea and Samaria." He asserted that Israeli settlements in the region bolster security for cities further west, such as Afula and Netanya.

“

We are erasing the disgrace of expulsion and strengthening Judea and Samaria, the security belt of the State of Israel.

Defense Minister Israel Katz and MK Yuli Edelstein attended the inauguration ceremony, with Edelstein criticizing the current government and warning against the establishment of a Palestinian state. "Twenty-one years ago, I warned of the enormous danger involved in expelling Jews from their homes," Edelstein stated. "Today, everyone understands that this terrible folly has brought upon us an unforgettable disaster."

“

Twenty-one years ago, I warned of the enormous danger involved in expelling Jews from their homes. Today, everyone understands that this terrible folly has brought upon us an unforgettable disaster.

Samaria Regional Council head Yossi Dagan called the settlement's reestablishment a "moment of historical correction." He noted that families were expelled 21 years ago, and homes were demolished, but "today we are returning to the gardens and reestablishing it." Dagan added that the return to Ganim and other evacuated communities is just the beginning, with plans to "double and triple the settlement in northern Samaria."

“

The pioneers of settlement in Judea and Samaria are the guarantee of Israel's security.

Moriah Masalti, one of the families returning to Ganim, described the day as more than just moving to a settlement. "It is a moment of correction, revival and returning home," she told Ynet. "Twenty-one years after families were displaced from here, the people of Israel are back and rebuilding in the place where they were forced to leave."

“

Twenty-one years ago, families were expelled from here, demolished homes and tried to uproot the settlement from northern Samaria. Today we are returning to the gardens and reestablishing it.