Binyamin – Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, joined by his wife Sara, ministers, and Knesset members, attended a tribute event Tuesday evening celebrating the recognition of 17 new communities in the Binyamin Regional Council.
Speaking at the ceremony, Netanyahu described the decision as a milestone in the government’s settlement policy.
“I said that we would build and hold fast to the parts of our land, our homeland, and we are doing it,” the Prime Minister declared. “This is not the end, this is only the beginning.”
The event, titled “All this is neither parable nor dream”, marked the state’s recognition and legalization of the communities. It was attended by Defense Minister Israel Katz, Binyamin Council Governor Yisrael Ganz, and several other government officials.
Before the formal ceremony, Sara Netanyahu met with community representatives and with wives of reservists living in the region, expressing her appreciation for their contribution and resilience.
In his address, Netanyahu reflected on his longstanding stance regarding settlements and statehood.
“Sara and I are happy to be with you at this exciting moment, and with you, Yisrael Ganz,” he said. “I want to extend blessings to the ministers and Knesset members of the national camp.
“The entire people of Israel rely on the courage of our sons, from Judea and Samaria and from all parts of the Land of Israel. We are safeguarding the land.
“I said in Ofra, and I say it again today: I promised 25 years ago that we would deepen our roots, and we have done so, together. I said we would prevent the establishment of a Palestinian state, and we are doing that, together.
“I said that we would build and hold fast to our land, our homeland, and we are doing it. Those who live here can testify that their lives have become much simpler, much more orderly. And this is not the end – this is the beginning.”
Governor Yisrael Ganz called the moment “historic and emotional,” framing it as the fulfillment of a central Zionist ideal.
“We are celebrating a historic and emotional moment that represents the direct fulfillment of the Zionist vision,” Ganz said. “The legalization of 17 new communities is another step that strengthens the Judea and Samaria communities and establishes facts on the ground. Now we must move forward in applying sovereignty over the regions of Binyamin and all of Judea and Samaria.
“The people of Israel are behind you. The people of Israel are proud of you. There has never been an issue in the Knesset that received such overwhelming support. Even in the international arena, people are waiting to hear the news from here.
“We thank the Prime Minister and the ministers for their partnership, support, and involvement in strengthening the communities of Judea and Samaria. Distinguished leaders, you have merited to guide the State of Israel in this historic time, and we want to strengthen you so that you continue this sacred task, reinforcing Israel’s security and resilience on all fronts.”
The event highlighted both the political and symbolic weight of the move, with leaders presenting the recognition as a step toward further entrenching Israel’s presence in the West Bank and linking the growth of the communities to national security.