Government Legalizes 2 Settlements in Samaria
Israel's Interior Ministry has officially recognized Karmei Oz and Sachlav as independent communities in Samaria, with plans for significant expansion.
Jerusalem, 19 August, 2026 (TPS-IL) — Israel’s Interior Ministry on Wednesday officially recognized Karmei Oz, also known as Givat Harel, in the Mateh Binyamin Regional Council, and Sachlav in the Samaria Regional Council, as independent communities.
Central Command Chief Maj. Gen. Avi Bluth signed off on the jurisdictions of the two communities. The IDF acts as the effective administrative and military authority in Judea and Samaria, operating under the legal framework of a military government.
Karmei Oz was settled in 1998, while Sachlav was declared a new settlement by the Security Cabinet only in December 2025.
Finance Minister and Religious Zionism Party chairman Bezalel Smotrich announced the addition of 285 acres of state-owned land to Karmei Oz that will allow the community to expand dramatically. Meanwhile, the government is advancing a detailed urban construction plan for 600 new housing units for the settlement.