Four years after the IDF's unilateral disengagement from Gaza, some 1,500 people returned Tuesday night to the West Bank settlement of Homesh.
During the rally, which was authorized by the IDF, former settlers read letters drafted by cabinet members especially for the event.
"I want to bless the participants and support them in the realization of the Zionist way," wrote strategic Affairs Minister Moshe Yaalon of the ruling Likud party.
Minister of Information and Diaspora Yuli Edelstein, also of Likud, said in his letter "I have the utmost respect for the (former) Homesh settlers and all those who work to resettle the community as part of the settlement enterprise in the Land of Israel."
Shas Chairman and Interior Minister Eli Yishai said in a letter addressed to Shomron Regional Council head Gershon Mesika, "Your courage and determination are commendable. I am certain that we will succeed in rebuilding (Homesh)."
At the event itself, which was organized by the Shomron Regional Council, Homesh First and the Shomron Settlers' Committee, Knesset Member Michael Ben Ari (National Union) told those on hand that "the return to Homesh and to the north Samaria communities is the message (Prime Minister Benjamin) Netanyahu must relay to (US President Barack) Obama.
Homesh First spokesperson Yossi Dagan said during the rally, "Today there is a new government that is comprised of those who opposed the expulsion (of settlers). We expect them to change the situation.
Shomron Council head Mesika said he expects the Likud-led government to "remain loyal to the platform upon which it was elected and rebuild Homesh."
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