Photo Credit: Binyamin Council
Yesha Council Chair Yisrael Ganz

Yisrael Ganz, 46, has spent six years at the helm of Israel’s largest regional municipality, the Binyamin Regional Council, and was recently elected chairman of the Yesha Council, a leading advocacy group for Israeli communities in Judea and Samaria. In this politically sensitive and often volatile region, he oversees the daily lives of 250,000 Israeli residents and an equal number of Arabs who reside under the Palestinian Authority.

This Thursday, Gantz will attend the One Israel Fund’s 30th Anniversary Gala Dinner in New York City, celebrating three decades of support for Judea and Samaria. And, on Saturday, he plans to visit the AltNoy Synagogue, an opportunity to connect with the Jewish diaspora and deepen the bond between the Israeli and American communities.

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Ganz’s approach blends pragmatic governance with a firm commitment to Israel’s historical and security priorities. His administration has driven a multi-billion-dollar road expansion aimed at easing transportation in the contested areas of Judea and Samaria. He is also spearheading the creation of a regional medical center, a project motivated by personal tragedy: a wounded soldier’s death during a long, urgent journey to a distant hospital.

For Ganz, Judea and Samaria represent the biblical heartland of the Jewish people. He fiercely opposes the establishment of a Palestinian state, citing concerns for Israel’s security. His vision transcends national borders; he argues that ensuring Israeli sovereignty in the region fortifies not only Israel but also strengthens Western democracies and global stability.

Ganz told The Jewish Press, “My main goal is to strengthen international support for Israeli sovereignty over Judea and Samaria. The biblical heartland of the Jewish people is vital to Israel’s security. I’ve emphasized that our presence there contributes to regional and global stability. At the same time, I’m advocating for a unified stance against antisemitism and extremism, which are threats not only to Israel but to Western democracies as well.”

Gantz recently spoke at the Mayors Summit Against Antisemitism in Beverly Hills. / Royalty Creation Studios

Gantz recently spoke at the Mayors’ Summit Against Antisemitism in Beverly Hills. Here are his key takeaways.

Ganz: “The summit was incredibly significant. It brought together around 170 mayors from across the US and Canada to address the growing threat of antisemitism. I urged them to launch a joint initiative to outlaw the BDS (Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions) movement, which is a form of antisemitism disguised as political criticism. The fight against antisemitism is a fight for the values of democracy, freedom, and human rights.”

Ganz says he also “highlighted the global implications of terrorism and extremism. I warned that allowing these forces to flourish—whether in Israel or elsewhere—can lead to devastating consequences, as we’ve seen in recent events. My message was clear: Israel’s security challenges are part of a larger struggle that affects the entire free world.

Gantz says that over the past three years, he has built strong connections with senior US officials, including key figures in the coming Trump administration. “These relationships have facilitated meaningful dialogue about Israel’s security and sovereignty. Hosting visits to Binyamin and Shiloh and meeting with Congress members and Senators have been instrumental in fostering mutual understanding,” he notes.

The Binyamin region faced significant losses during Operation Iron Swords. “The losses we suffered were devastating,” Gantz says, adding, “The resilience of our residents inspires me daily. Despite the hardships, they remain committed to building a thriving and secure community. These challenges only strengthen our resolve to protect and develop our homeland.”

Asked about his vision for the future of Judea and Samaria, the head of the municipalities there says, “My vision is clear: full Israeli sovereignty over Judea and Samaria. This is essential not just for Israel’s security but for the broader stability of the Middle East and the protection of Western democracies. By securing these regions, we safeguard not only Jerusalem and Tel Aviv but also cities like London, Paris, and New York.”

“The challenges we face in Israel are not isolated,” Ganz concludes. “They’re part of a global struggle for stability and security. By addressing these challenges together, we can build a safer and more prosperous future for everyone who cherishes freedom and democracy.”


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David writes news at JewishPress.com.