Israel appropriates 1,976 acres of land in the Jordan Valley, declaring it state land

Israel appropriates some 8,000 dunams or 1,976 acres of land in the Jordan Valley, declaring it state land, meaning it can now be used for development projects.

The declaration of the land as Israeli-owned will allow for hundreds of settlement housing units to be constructed, as well as an area designated for industry and commerce, the Kan public broadcaster reports.

The move was overseen by Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, who also serves as a minister inside the Defense Ministry.

The declaration of the land as state-owned is “an important and strategic issue,” Smotrich says.

“While there are those in Israel and the world who seek to undermine our right to Judea and Samaria and the country in general, we promote the settlement movement with hard work and in a strategic manner across the country,” he adds.