In August 2026, IDF Central Command chief Maj. Gen. Avi Bluth signed 18 new jurisdictional orders covering new communities, developing communities and major expansions of existing towns. he move was carried out following work by the Settlement Administration and Civil Administration, and forms part of what Finance Minister and Minister in the Defense Ministry Bezalel Smotrich has described as Israel’s “settlement revolution.”

In Efrat, the jurisdictional boundary surrounding Givat HaEitam will be expanded, opening the way for future planning that could ultimately allow thousands of new housing units. Givat HaEitam, located north of Efrat’s existing neighborhoods, has long been viewed as the community’s principal reserve for large-scale future growth.

The jurisdictional change does not itself constitute approval to build thousands of homes. Individual construction plans will still have to pass through the relevant planning processes. But bringing the area into Efrat’s jurisdiction is an important administrative step toward advancing those plans. Tuesday’s announcement specifically states that the expansion is expected to enable thousands of future housing units.

The post Efrat’s Future Expansion Approved first appeared on Efrat Development Foundation.

In this Jewish Road podcast, Ryan Levin introduces listeners to Efrat and Solomon’s Pools, a remarkable Second Temple-era water system that supplied Jerusalem with fresh water for centuries. 

Located in the biblical heartland of Judea, these pools tell a story that connects archaeology, Scripture, and modern Israel.

Ryan explains the historical significance of the site, the challenges of preserving it, and why restoring access to Solomon’s Pools could create an entirely new pilgrimage experience for visitors seeking to walk in the footsteps of the Bible.

This conversation is a fascinating exploration of heritage, identity, and the importance of preserving biblical history for future generations.

Visit The Jewish Road website: https://thejewishroad.com/podcasts-folder/episode-173-the-water-that-sustained-jerusalem-ryan-levin

Listen on Apple Podcasts at:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-water-that-sustained-jerusalem-featuring-ryan-levin/id1582751084?i=1000773388294

Listen on Spotify at: https://open.spotify.com/episode/1ERffwbcqNdKCcvwp2Kleq?si=2f06cf2d53104f26

The post Efrat & Solomon’s Pools – Within the Borders first appeared on Efrat Development Foundation.

The post Ryan Levin Reveals Efrat’s Biblical Secret first appeared on Efrat Development Foundation.