Netanyahu Signs Settlement Expansion Plan in Ma’aleh Adumim

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has signed a sweeping agreement to advance the largest development project in Ma’aleh Adumim since the city’s founding in 1975. The plan will add thousands of new housing units, expand infrastructure, and provide a major boost to one of the most prominent Jewish communities in Judea and Samaria.

Standing alongside senior ministers and city officials, Netanyahu declared: “There will never be a Palestinian state. This place is ours. We will safeguard our heritage, our land, and our security.” His words reflect a clear commitment to strengthening Israel’s presence in the heart of the Land of Israel.

The agreement includes 7,606 new housing units built on state land and an investment of roughly NIS 3 billion. These funds will go toward upgrading infrastructure, constructing public institutions, and renewing older neighborhoods. Additionally, 20,000 square meters will be devoted to commercial and employment areas, ensuring that the city’s growth is balanced with opportunity for its residents.

As a result of the plan, Ma’aleh Adumim’s population is expected to double, transforming it into a hub of housing, commerce, and community life. The framework agreement between the Construction and Housing Ministry and the municipality provides long-term planning, top-quality infrastructure, and strong integration for new residents.

Of the total investment, NIS 420 million will be directed to vital infrastructure projects including roads, water, sewage, electricity, and transportation. Another NIS 340 million will fund public institutions and community services, strengthening both new and established neighborhoods.

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich praised the expansion as a “historic agreement in Judea and Samaria,” while Construction and Housing Minister Haim Katz highlighted his commitment to offering affordable housing for reservists and combat soldiers through discounted apartment programs.

Mayor Guy Yifrah, who was born in the city, described the agreement as a milestone for Ma’aleh Adumim’s jubilee year. “For more than 20 years, no new neighborhood has been built here. Today we are opening a new chapter, investing in infrastructure, community, and the spirit of the city,” he said.

Yehuda Morgenstern, Director-General of the Construction and Housing Ministry, called the plan a “significant step” toward making Ma’aleh Adumim even more attractive and welcoming. He emphasized that umbrella agreements like this one allow for comprehensive growth that benefits both residents and Israel as a whole.

The signing also comes amid renewed focus on the E1 project, located adjacent to Ma’aleh Adumim, which recently gained approval after years of international objections. While foreign governments may continue to voice opposition, Israel has made clear that its priority is securing its future in its biblical heartland.

The expansion of Ma’aleh Adumim is more than a housing project it is a statement of vision and strength. By investing in Judea and Samaria, Israel ensures that thriving Jewish communities will continue to flourish for generations to come. Share this article or subscribe to our newsletter for more updates from Israel.