(JNS) Three Israeli businessmen are working to help shape the future of development and stability of life in Judea and Samaria through the launch of the Judea and Samaria Investment Fund.
Gideon Israel, Tzvi Goldman and Joe Glover are preparing to introduce investors to their portfolio of Judea and Samaria–based businesses, which they believe will help strengthen Jewish sovereignty in the region.
Gideon Israel, a partner in the venture, told JNS that the fund aims to connect investors who support Judea and Samaria with businesses and projects that lack capital, helping push them toward profitability while seeking solid returns.
He explained that investors would put money into the fund after their boards, along with a team of analysts, conduct due diligence to determine which projects to invest in and whether they believe an investment could generate positive returns.
“Now is the optimal time to make a difference,” Gideon Israel said.
He elaborated that since the Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas onslaught on Israel, the idea of a “two-state solution” has become toxic. Coupled with a US president who is favorable toward Judea and Samaria, he said that now is the time to create new realities on the ground.
Gideon Israel added that with Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, who also serves as a minister in the Defense Ministry overseeing civilian affairs in Judea and Samaria, holding his current position as a strong supporter of the region, this moment is ideal for launching the fund.
He noted that most people view Judea and Samaria as a conflict-ridden zone, while others view it positively and support it from an ideological angle rooted in the Bible and history.
“We’re saying there is another way to be involved that might be the most optimal—it’s not philanthropic or based on politics; rather here is a way for investors to benefit from Judea and Samaria, while securing its future,” he said.
Invest in undervalued assets
Tzvi Goldman, the fund’s chief investment officer, gave JNS some of the specific details of the fund, which he said is capped at $50 million.
The plan is to invest in proven businesses and strategic assets in Judea and Samaria that are currently undervalued because they’ve been geographically isolated, under-capitalized or lacked modern infrastructure.
“The strategy is to invest just before new roads, transportation and large-scale development unlock growth, allowing these companies to scale from local operations into nationally competitive businesses,” he said.
Goldman added that the fund focuses on assets near emerging infrastructure hubs, with solid business models and management teams capable of operating at institutional standards.
“By providing professional capital, governance and scaling expertise through a fully audited fund structure, based in Delaware in the US, the goal is to revalue these assets as they transition from isolated to integrated,” he explained.
“Returns will be generated through infrastructure-driven appreciation, operational improvements, and—especially for early partners—participation in the overall success of the fund,” he added.
Goldman said the fund will support residents of Judea and Samaria in three ways: improving municipal infrastructure, making the area more attractive to new residents—especially young couples from other parts of the country—and helping local companies expand to generate greater wealth.
On the third point, he noted that there are parts of Judea and Samaria where more than 60% to 70% of the workforce travels outside of the region daily.
“There’s no reason this can’t be maintained within Judea and Samaria and have those monies cycled back into infrastructural growth and development,” he said.
Israel and Goldman emphasized that they were working closely with local businesses, area leaders and elected officials across Judea and Samaria—including regional and municipal heads—to assess conditions on the ground and identify investment opportunities.
Ecstatic about the opportunities
Eliram Azulay, chairman of the Hebron Hills Regional Council, told JNS he was ecstatic about the opportunities provided by the fund, calling it good news for communities and businesses throughout the region. He called the fund the first of its kind, one serving as a lever that enables businesses to develop, grow, and multiply their profits.
Azulay said the fund’s uniqueness lies in its added value—first and foremost, it seeks to be a partner, and this is what guides it as an investor.
“This approach is clearly felt, and we are pleased with a model that changes the equation and, in fact, creates a completely different picture. Donor–recipient relationships belong to the past. Today, it is possible to create profitable investments in businesses in Judea and Samaria and enjoy the returns,” said Azulay.
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