Defense Minister Israel Katz and Samaria Regional Council head Yossi Dagan announced they will build additional bases and settlements in northern Samaria. The announcement was made following a meeting that addressed, among other issues, the redeployment of settlements and bases in the area. The two stated that "returning the settlements and bases to northern Samaria serves as a force multiplier for the IDF, contributes to civilian security and prevents the formation of terror hubs in the heart of the country."