The renowned observation deck, known as the “Balcony of the State” in Peduel, Samaria, will be renamed in honor of President Donald J. Trump. The announcement was made on Tuesday by Samaria Council Chairman Yossi Dagan and the Peduel Village Committee, who described the move as a tribute to Trump’s unwavering support for the State of Israel.
“The Balcony of the State” is one of Israel’s most renowned and strategically significant observation points, offering a panoramic view of the entire coastal plain—from Ashkelon in the south to the chimneys of Hadera’s power plant in the north.
In recent years, Samaria Council Chairman Dagan has hosted numerous high-profile American and international figures at the site, including Senators, Members of Congress, and evangelical pastors with close ties to President Trump. The observation deck has also welcomed members of the European Parliament, Israeli ministers, Knesset members, and politicians from around the world.
Dagan officially notified the Trump administration of the decision in a letter addressed to the president. In his message, he wrote: “On behalf of the residents of Samaria and the entire people of Israel, I wish to express our deep appreciation for your unwavering commitment to Israel’s security and its standing on the international stage. Your courageous support for the State of Israel, your recognition of the historical and security significance of Judea and Samaria, and your resolute policies in the face of threats to our nation—these are historic actions that will be remembered for generations to come.”
Chairman of the Peduel Village Committee, Itai Bracha, stated: “The Peduel community deeply values President Trump’s contributions to the State of Israel as a whole and to the settlements in Judea and Samaria in particular. There is no better place to honor him than the ‘Balcony of the State,’ which offers a panoramic view of Israel and highlights the strategic significance of Judea and Samaria as a protective belt for Tel Aviv and the central region.”
The inauguration ceremony for the newly named “Trump Observation Deck” is set to take place soon, with the Samaria Council planning to invite high-ranking officials from Israel and around the world.
REMEMBER TRUMP HEIGHTS?
On June 16, 2019, less than three months after President Trump formally recognized Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced the establishment of a new settlement, “Trump Heights,” as a gesture of appreciation for the 45th US President’s strong support for Israel. An elegant sign was placed at the site, adorned with the flags of the United States and Israel, symbolizing the deep and enduring ties between the two nations.
In June 2020, the Israeli government approved 8 million shekels (approximately 2.3 million dollars) in funding for the development of the Trump Heights settlement. On July 4, 2020, a sculptural memorial was installed near the entrance to Trump Heights in honor of President Trump. The monument features an eagle positioned in front of a menorah, symbolizing the strong bond between the United States and Israel. Families began settling there in April 2021.
As of 2024, some 30 families reside in the Trump Heights settlement, which has a mixed religious-secular character. In the initial phase of development, plans call for the construction of 99 homes.
