Israel advances plans for more than 1,000 settlement homes in central West Bank

Israeli authorities have announced a land designation covering approximately 1,665 dunams for the settlements of Keida and Hadat in the central West Bank, a step intended to facilitate plans for the construction of more than 1,000 housing units.

Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, who also holds responsibilities within the Defence Ministry relating to West Bank civilian affairs, announced the move alongside Binyamin Regional Council head Yisrael Gantz, who also heads the Yesha Council, an umbrella organisation representing Israeli settlements.

According to the announcement, authorities have completed a so-called “Blue Line” designation defining the boundaries of land associated with Keida and Hadat, both located in the Shiloh settlement bloc.

Israeli officials described the designation as an important step toward advancing development plans for the two communities.

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The move follows Israeli government decisions recognizing Keida and Hadat as independent settlements, allowing authorities to advance formal planning, infrastructure and construction projects.

Keida was established in 2003 as an outpost and was formally recognized by the Israeli government as an independent settlement in December 2025, according to the Israeli announcement.

Hadat began as an agricultural farm in 2001 and subsequently developed into a residential community. It received formal recognition as an independent settlement in March 2026.

Israeli authorities are now working to advance the first comprehensive master plans for the two settlements. The plans envisage more than 1,000 housing units, along with infrastructure and public services.

The initiative comes amid broader Israeli efforts to formalize previously unauthorized outposts and advance settlement construction in the West Bank.

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