Israel has seized about 800 dunams (197 acres) of land in the Jordan Valley, designating it as “state land,” allowing for future development projects.
According to reports from the Israel Public Broadcasting Corporation “Kan,” it has been stated that this declaration of land ownership by Israel opens the door for the construction of numerous settlement housing units, along with an area allocated for industrial and commercial purposes.
The move was spearheaded by Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, who also holds a position within the Ministry of Defense.
Smotrich emphasized that the declaration of state land ownership represents a significant and strategic step, asserting that as some seek to undermine Israel’s rights in Judea and Samaria (the West Bank) and across the nation, efforts are being made to bolster the settlement movement through deliberate and strategic measures nationwide.
The Jordan Valley, with its fertile plains spanning about 400 square kilometers, stretches along the Jordan River, with elevations ranging from 200 to over 400 meters below sea level, extending to the Dead Sea, making it one of the lowest points on Earth.
Israel has long sought to assert its control over the Jordan Valley. Various Israeli politicians have advocated for this idea since the onset of the occupation of the West Bank in 1967, with notable proposals like the Allon Plan in 1967 and Netanyahu’s annexation plan in 2019 aimed at incorporating parts of the West Bank west of the river into Israel proper.
