Becoming Israel’s Tuscany: Gov’t launches ‘Biblical Trail’ initiative to promote West Bank tourism

The Tourism Ministry launched the first stage of its Biblical Trails initiative in Judea and Samaria, laying the cornerstone for the Joshua Trail near Eilon Moreh. The NIS 3.2 million project includes an accessible promenade and suspension bridge connecting the Eilon Moreh Heritage Center with the Mount Kabir Nature Reserve summit.

The Tourism Ministry launched the first stage of its new Biblical Trails in Judea and Samaria initiative on Wednesday, laying the cornerstone for the Joshua Trail near the settlement of Eilon Moreh. The NIS 3.2 million project will include an accessible promenade and a suspension bridge connecting the Eilon Moreh Heritage Center with the summit of the Mount Kabir Nature Reserve. Tourism Minister Haim Katz, Heritage Minister Amichai Eliyahu, and Samaria Regional Council Head Yossi Dagan attended the ceremony. Katz stated that Samaria can and should become Israel's Tuscany, with its landscapes, vineyards, wineries, and heritage. The project is part of a wider government push to develop tourism in the West Bank, including the allocation of NIS 113 million for over 70 heritage sites and NIS 27 million for hotel development. The article frames the initiative as a nation-building and settlement-strengthening effort, quoting officials who describe it as a response to challenges through continued construction and tourism development.