Israel Re-establishes Kadim Settlement in West Bank

The Government of Israel re-established the Kadim settlement in the occupied West Bank on August 20 and 21, 2026, moving 30 pioneer families permanently into the community. This action overturns a 20-year ban on Jewish settlements around Jenin and marks the return to the final of four communities evacuated during Ariel Sharon's 2005 disengagement plan.

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and Samaria regional council head Yossi Dagan accompanied the settlers to the site. Smotrich described the move as a "rectification" and a "correction" of the 2005 expulsions, asserting that such communities create a security buffer for the state. He further vowed to establish 19 additional settlements in the northern West Bank.

The repopulation of Kadim follows the recent reopening of the Ganim settlement and is part of a broader expansion strategy under Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, with over 100 new settlements approved since late 2022. Simultaneously, the Israel Defense Forces are constructing two new military bases and an outpost on land previously controlled by the Palestinian Authority near the Jenin Refugee Camp.

Palestinian officials and residents report increased harassment and the demolition of local businesses to facilitate the expansion. These settlements are considered illegal under international law.