Breaking Update
Israeli Government Approves Five New Negev Towns, One to Be Named for the Late Gaza Hostage Ran Gvili
Israel approves five new Negev towns, one named "Renanim" for hostage Ran Gvili, advancing settlement and development in the region.
Jerusalem, 25 January, 2026 (TPS-IL) — Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu proposed that one of the five new communities planned for the Negev be named “Renanim,” in memory of the last Israeli held hostage in Gaza, and hero of Israel, the late Ran Gvili (of blessed memory). The government of Israel today, Sunday, announced its plans for the five new towns.
“During my visit to the Negev about two weeks ago, I declared: We will advance the Negev along several paths, one of which is Jewish settlement, and this Government is doing much in this regard,” said Netanyahu.”
“There is a tremendous momentum of both action and pride, and it continues today in this important meeting that brings massive news to the Negev and to our plans to continue developing the region,” he added. “This is a monumental settlement announcement: Five community settlements in the eastern area of the Be’er Sheva metropolitan area. This is important in many respects.”
