Negev Village Established to Honor Brave IDF Commander

In a powerful tribute to a fallen hero, a new Israeli community has been founded in the Negev Desert to honor the memory of IDF Col. Yonatan Steinberg, who was killed defending Israel during Hamas’s October 7 attack.

Mitzpe Yonatan, named after Steinberg, is situated near Arad, west of the Dead Sea. Already, 20 young families have settled in the village, embracing the pioneering spirit that has defined Israel’s history. They are currently living in caravans, committed to developing the area and expanding its potential.

Weeks before his tragic death, Steinberg who was a 42-year-old father of six and the commander of the Nahal Brigade had envisioned establishing a livestock ranch in the region. That dream is now being realized as part of Mitzpe Yonatan’s development plan, a fitting legacy for a man dedicated to both protecting and building Israel.

At a tree-planting ceremony held at the village on February 13, Israeli President Isaac Herzog praised the new community as an example of Israel’s enduring strength. “This beautiful place exemplifies Zionism at its finest,” Herzog declared. “Alongside the pain and mourning that have tested and continue to test us in the most difficult ways, we stand strong filled with faith and hope. The proof of that is right here before us.”

Mitzpe Yonatan is more than a tribute; it is part of a broader initiative to populate and secure Israel’s southern frontier. Organizers behind the project hope to establish dozens of similar communities across the Negev in the coming years, reinforcing Israel’s presence in this historically significant region.

Col. Steinberg’s bravery and vision live on in Mitzpe Yonatan, a testament to the Israeli spirit of resilience and renewal.

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