Jewish families settle in eight homes near Jericho after undisclosed purchase
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Eight Jewish families moved into homes on state land near Jericho, a step the Binyamin Regional Council says challenges the Oslo Accords, while the Israeli army reviews the purchase's security impact.
Jewish families entered eight homes on state-owned land on the outskirts of Jericho, according to a joint statement by the Binyamin Regional Council and the Nachala Movement. The Israel Defense Forces said the settlement occurred without prior coordination or authorization and that authorities are assessing the purchase and its security implications.
The homes are located in Area C of Judea and Samaria, which remains under full Israeli civil and security control, while the city of Jericho itself lies in Area A, administered by the Palestinian Authority.
Binyamin Regional Council head Yisrael Gantz, who also chairs the Yesha Council, said the move “dismantles the Oslo Accords through our actions; we are returning home.” He recalled first entering Jericho as a teenager when Israel transferred the city to the Palestinian Authority and noted that he now accompanies families building homes there.
Nachala chairwoman Daniella Weiss described the settlement as “a major step toward renewing Jewish settlement in Jewish cities,” adding that families aim to fulfill a biblical verse about children playing in city streets.
The Israeli army confirmed it is operating in the area and will provide further details later.