Wadi Rahal is a valley (wadi) located just south of Bethlehem, in the southern part of the West Bank, Palestine. It stretches from the hills around Bethlehem toward the Dead Sea basin. It is part of the rugged terrain typical of the Judean hills, with seasonal streams that flow mainly in the rainy winter months. The valley is characterized by rocky landscapes, olive groves, and small Palestinian villages.

Nearby communities:

The area around Wadi Rahal includes Palestinian villages and towns, such as Beit Jala and Al Khader. It is also close to Israeli settlements in the Bethlehem area, which has caused tensions over land and access.

Wadi Rahal lies in Area C under full Israeli military control, where Palestinian building and development are highly restricted. The area often faces issues related to settler expansion, land confiscations, and restrictions on Palestinian movement. This village is one of the areas threatened by seizure and settlement expansion, given its proximity to the Efrat colony,

Historical and cultural significance: The valley and surrounding areas are rich in history, with archaeological sites dating back to biblical times, and are part of the cultural landscape of the Bethlehem region.

Nearby Settlements and Outposts:

Efrat: Located approximately 3 km north of Wadi Rahal, Efrat is a significant Israeli settlement in the Gush Etzion bloc. Settlers from Efrat have been involved in various incidents in Wadi Rahal, including armed attacks on Palestinian residents. שלום עכשיו

Afrata: An illegal settlement established on Palestinian land south of Bethlehem, Afrata is situated near Wadi Rahal. Its proximity has led to increased land confiscations and settlement expansion efforts in the area.

Timeline of events

May 7, 2025: An agricultural facility in the Khallet al-Nahla area, near Wadi Rahal, was demolished. WAFA Agency

June 24, 2025: An agricultural room was demolished, land was bulldozed, and a water well was filled in Wadi Rahal.

July 13, 2025: Israeli settlers established a new outpost east of Bethlehem, contributing to the rising settler violence in the region

July 31, 2025: Israeli forces demolished two homes and four agricultural rooms used for storing agricultural equipment and materials, expelling residents and preventing them from retrieving their belongings. According to Ammar Hijazi, a member of the Wadi Rahal village council, a large Israeli forces, accompanied by bulldozers and military vehicles, stormed the village and began extensive demolition operations. The military bulldozers also demolished two homes, each measuring approximately 200 square meters, one belonging to Ahmed al-Badawi and the other to the Saad family.