Israeli settlers return to Kadim settlement in West Bank

Israeli settlers have begun moving back into Kadim, a West Bank settlement that was evacuated more than 20 years ago. The return of approximately 30 families marks the repopulation of the last of four communities dismantled during the 2005 unilateral disengagement plan.

The move follows the recent reopening of the neighboring settlement of Ganim and reflects the current Israeli government’s policy of rapid settlement expansion in the occupied Palestinian territories. The Samaria regional council, which administers the area, described the event as a “historic milestone.”

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich attended the opening ceremony, characterizing the return as a “correction” to the previous expulsion. Other high-ranking officials, including the Speaker of the Knesset, were also present. Kadim is located on a hillside near the Palestinian city of Jenin.