Israel Reestablishes Ganim Settlement in Northern West Bank

Israeli officials and families reestablished the Ganim settlement in the northern West Bank on Thursday, August 13, 2026. The move comes 21 years after the site was evacuated under Ariel Sharon's 2005 disengagement plan. The reopening follows a late 2025 government approval and a March 2023 Knesset amendment that removed restrictions on entering evacuated areas.

Bezalel Smotrich, the Finance Minister, announced that Ganim is one of 11 new communities being established this summer, including Homesh, Sa-Nur, and Kadim. Smotrich stated the expansion strengthens Israel's security belt and is intended to "kill the idea of a Palestinian state." He further noted that the recent demolition of 27 Palestinian buildings in the Jenin province was intended to pave the way for these renewed settlements.

Defense Minister Israel Katz and Samaria Regional Council head Yossi Dagan attended the ceremony, which featured approximately 100 people and two dozen pre-fabricated homes. Both officials characterized the return as a historic rectification. To secure the site, Israeli forces closed roads between the Haddad Roundabout and the Al-Jalama military checkpoint and demolished stores in the surrounding area.

The resettlement occurs amid heightened tension. U.S. Ambassador Mike Huckabee demanded explanations from Israel following a four-day blockade of the Palestinian village of Qusra by extremist Jews, which Huckabee described as being carried out by "Israeli terrorists." Palestinian officials warned that the move fragments the governorate and undermines the possibility of a contiguous Palestinian state.