On April 20, 2025, the longest panorama road in Judea and Samaria was officially inaugurated in Gush Etzion. The “Derech Nof Gvaot” (Gvaot Panorama Road) stretches over 4.3 miles through the Gvaot Forest, which was planted by the Jewish National Fund in 1980. The road offers breathtaking views and invites visitors to hike, cycle, or drive along its route.

At the opening ceremony, Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich emphasized: “The Settlement Revolution of 2025 is the largest since 1967.” He described the new road as “another link in the normalization of settlement” and as “an important step toward preserving the land.” The project was initiated by the Gush Etzion Regional Council and realized in cooperation with the Settlement Directorate of the Ministry of Defense and the Civil Administration.

The inauguration highlights the strategic importance of the project. Smotrich also announced plans for 3,600 new housing units, the establishment of five additional communities, the expansion of the road infrastructure, and the designation of thousands of hectares as state land.

Despite the tense security situation, tens of thousands of Israelis visited the area during the Passover holiday. Brigadier General Hisham Ibrahim, head of the Civil Administration, praised the security forces for their efforts, which ensured a safe environment for visitors.

The head of the Gush Etzion Regional Council, Yaron Rosenthal, stated: “This is precisely our great vision – that young people, families, and adults can roam freely through the vast Gvaot Forest, beyond fences, like free people, as befits the sons and daughters of this land.”

The “Derech Nof Gvaot” not only symbolizes the connection between nature and history but also reflects Israel’s commitment to the development and integration of the biblical heartland.