The decision marks another significant step in solidifying the community’s status and advancing its formalization. At the same time, the Binyamin Regional Council, together with the Settlement Directorate, continues working to formalize the remaining areas of the community and advance the broader settlement development effort.

The decision follows a February 2023 resolution by the Security Cabinet to launch a formal process to legalize Givat Harel, together with the nearby community of Givat Haroeh.

In recent days, residents of the communities of Kida and Esh Kodesh were also informed that the Government Names Committee had approved official recognition of their communities’ original names.

Binyamin Regional Council head and Yesha Council chairman Yisrael Ganz welcomed the developments.

“I congratulate the residents of Givat Harel, Kida, and Esh Kodesh, who have built and developed these communities with dedication and love over the years," Ganz said. “The approval of Givat Harel’s jurisdiction and the official recognition of the communities’ names are significant steps toward the State of Israel’s formal recognition of these important communities.

“We will continue working determinedly together with the community leadership and our partners in government to advance the momentum of development and growth in Binyamin. Many thanks to Finance Minister and Minister in the Defense Ministry Bezalel Smotrich, the Settlement Directorate, and all those who have contributed to the determined effort to formalize the young communities and advance the settlement enterprise as a whole."

Finance Minister and Minister in the Defense Ministry Bezalel Smotrich added: “The approval of Givat Harel’s jurisdiction is another significant milestone in the community revolution we have been leading over the past four years.

“As part of this revolution, we have approved 104 new communities, advanced 160 farms, secured historic funding for infrastructure and roads, and strengthened the communities as a security belt protecting the State of Israel and the central region’s cities. I thank the Settlement Directorate and Yesha Council chairman Yisrael Ganz for this important step.

“Unfortunately, this revolution is not irreversible. In three months, a new government will be elected, and it could be a dangerous left-wing government led by Gadi Eisenkot, with Yair Golan serving as defense minister. An Eisenkot-Golan-Liberman government would evacuate the communities and farms and promote the establishment of a terrorist state in the heart of Israel. This is dangerous-and we must not allow it to happen," Smotrich concluded.