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🇮🇱 Israel /Elections & Politics

West Bank settlement Givat Ze'ev officially declared an Israeli city

From Jerusalem Post · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Official statement New plan
  • The West Bank settlement of Givat Ze'ev has been officially declared an Israeli city.
  • The status upgrade aims to align the municipal framework with planned development and residential services for its nearly 35,000 residents.
  • Mayor Yossi Asraf hailed the change as a "historic moment" and a "massive growth engine" for the settlement.

Givat Ze'ev, a settlement located in the West Bank just northwest of Jerusalem, has officially been declared a city in Israel. The decree was signed by IDF Central Command Chief Avi Bluth on Sunday, marking a significant administrative change for the community founded in 1977.

Thank God, a historic moment for Givat Ze'ev. This is a tremendous boost to the settlements in the Jerusalem envelope. Becoming a city is first and foremost a massive growth engine and truly good news for our residents.

— Yossi AsrafMayor of Givat Ze'ev commenting on the settlement's official declaration as a city.

Nearly 35,000 people reside in Givat Ze'ev, which has experienced one of the highest population growth rates in the country. The upgrade from a local council to an official municipality is intended to align its administrative structure with ongoing development, scaling, and residential services. This change is expected to facilitate future growth and improve the quality of life for its residents.

Mayor Yossi Asraf expressed his enthusiasm for the new designation, calling it a "historic moment" and a "tremendous boost to the settlements in the Jerusalem envelope." He described the city status as a "massive growth engine" that will bring "truly good news for our residents." Asraf assured that while development and momentum will increase, the settlement's "warm, rural, and community atmosphere" will be preserved.

Alongside the new status and development momentum, we are stepping up our capabilities, while preserving our warm, rural, and community atmosphere. This is the beating heart of Givat Ze'ev, and it will remain so.

— Yossi AsrafMayor Asraf's statement on balancing development with community atmosphere after Givat Ze'ev became a city.

The settlement's elevation to city status comes with support from figures like MK Smotrich. This development is seen as a significant step for the community, aiming to enhance its capabilities and services while maintaining its core character.

I thank the Central Command Chief and all the professional bodies for their comprehensive work. We will continue to act with full vigor to lead our city to new achievements for the quality of life of our residents.

— Yossi AsrafMayor Asraf expressing gratitude and commitment to future development for Givat Ze'ev.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Jerusalem Post in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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