While Justice Minister Tzipi Livni leads negotiations with the PA (Palestinian Authority), talks that most feel will place mountaintop yishuvim on the PA side of the map chas v’sholom, davka homes in those communities are in growing demand. This is true in yishuvim including Itamar, Yitzhar, Har Bracha and Elon Moreh; communities located in the heart of Biblical Eretz Yisrael, near PA occupied Shechem.

According to a Maariv report, the increase in demand for homes in these communities defies what the so-called experts predict as the new future reality, that they will be given away in a deal with the PA. Nevertheless, the residents in these communities are not about to back their bags for they are too busy building and planning for the future.

These communities, referred to as the “Gav HaHar Yishuvim” are reachable by passing through the hostile Arab municipality of Chawarah. Because they are relatively isolated most national leaders have already signed them away in their minds, but B”H Shomron Regional Council leaders, the right-wing parties and the residents themselves are far from despair, constantly maintaining a positive outlook. According to Shomron Regional Council officials, the current rate of building does not come close to keeping pace with demand. Housing prices have risen climbed considerably in the past two years.

For example, a 110 square meter home recently sold for 690,000 NIS. A similar home sold for 535,000 NIS in 2011. This represents a 28% increase over two years.

In nearby Har Bracha, a three bedroom unit in a two family structure sold for 450,000 NIS. Similar apartments are now being sold for 650,000 NIS, representing a 44% increase. Despite the sharp increase, there are no units currently available.

Moving over to Itamar, a 525 square meter home sold for 525,000 NIS in 2012 and today, a similar home sells for 570,000 NIS, an 8% increase in the span of a year.

In Elon Moreh there is a 10% increase in housing over the past two years; from 660,000 NIS for a private home in 2011 to 720,000 NIS today.

Shomron Regional Council head Gershon Mesika, an area resident, explains the Gav HaHar yishuvim are in demand, especially among young couples. He explains there are numerous factors including the building freeze and the waning number of available homes but he explains there is more. He speaks of the outstanding educational institutions in the area along with a warm inviting kehilla that is a draw for all couples seeking to settle down. He adds these communities are also a reasonable commute to the center of the country, an added plus.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)