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New Settlement in the Arad Valley: A Zionist Response to Tragedy and a Commitment to the Future of Israel
Edited by: Fern Sidman
In a bold demonstration of resilience and Zionist ideals, 20 families of reserve soldiers have established a new settlement in the Arad Valley. Located in the desert region connecting the city of Arad to the southern Hebron Hills, the community is a response to recent tragedies, including the massacre of October 7 and the broader challenges facing Israeli control in the Negev, as was reported by Vois Es Nais. The settlement, named Oz Yehonatan, honors the memory of Lt. Colonel Yonatan Steinberg, who gave his life protecting Israeli civilians during the Simchat Torah attacks.
The establishment of Oz Yehonatan reflects a deep sense of mission among the families who have moved to the area. Comprising around 50 children and their parents, these reserve soldiers and their families see their efforts as a continuation of their service to the State of Israel. In a statement reported by Arutz Sheva, one member emphasized: “This is now the mission of the people of Israel, and we need the people of Israel.”
The move to the desert is no small feat. Starting from scratch, the settlers are building infrastructure and preparing for the challenges of winter. The VIN report indicated that they have received critical support from the “New Guard” association and encouragement from Arad Mayor Yair Maayan, whose backing was instrumental in facilitating the settlement process.
One of the driving factors behind the establishment of Oz Yehonatan is the increasing concern over Bedouin encroachment in the Negev. Over recent years, significant land grabs by Bedouin communities have raised alarms among Israeli leaders about maintaining sovereignty and control over this critical region. The report on VIN said that Moshe Monteng, a founding member of the settlement, articulated the urgency of the situation: “The Negev is the most important national mission today. If we don’t want to lose our hold on the land, we must act now.”
The strategic location of Oz Yehonatan aims to serve as a bulwark against these encroachments, strengthening Israel’s presence in an area that has long been considered vital for its security and territorial integrity.
The decision to name the settlement Oz Yehonatan is a poignant tribute to Lt. Colonel Yonatan Steinberg. A commander in the Nachal Brigade, Steinberg was killed in action on Simchat Torah morning while rushing to defend residents in Ofakim from the Hamas terrorist attack that claimed the lives of 1200 Israelis and others, the VIN report added. By naming the settlement in his honor, the families not only memorialize his bravery but also draw attention to the values of protection, sacrifice, and commitment that he embodied.
The settlers recognize that their mission requires the collective effort of the Israeli people. Shvut, one of the women from the group, highlighted the financial and logistical challenges they face: “We are here with total dedication because we understand that this is the mission of the people of Israel right now. Now we need the people of Israel to help us so that we can meet the financial costs of establishing this settlement, which is critical to the future of the State of Israel. Otherwise, it won’t happen.”
The call for assistance sheds light on the broader implications of their work. Beyond the immediate needs of infrastructure and survival, the establishment of Oz Yehonatan is seen as a critical step in securing Israel’s future and strengthening its connection to the land.
The VIN report observed that the establishment of Oz Yehonatan reflects the enduring ethos of Zionism: a commitment to reclaiming, cultivating, and holding onto the land of Israel. The Negev, often referred to as Israel’s last frontier, has historically been a focus of national development. Israel’s first Prime Minister, David Ben-Gurion famously believed that the future of the Jewish state would be secured in the Negev, and the actions of these families reflect that vision.
For these reserve soldiers and their families, the establishment of Oz Yehonatan is more than just building a new community—it is a statement of resilience, a tribute to those who have fallen, and a pledge to protect the land and people of Israel for generations to come.
