"More than a hundred years ago, my grandmother, Sarah Fein Eisenberg, was born near here — in Metula. Together with her family, she was among the women who built Tel Hai, Yesod HaMa’ala, Kfar Ata. They did not wait for the state to arise — they simply began building it.

And today, her grandson stands here as the Minister of Finance of the State of Israel, and returns north with a Zionist–economic–national plan that brings the focus back to the north of the country.

— I arrived today at the “Strengthening the North” conference together with my partner, the Minister for Settlements, Orit Strock, and together with representatives of amazing civil society organizations — the Ofek Pre-Military Academies Council, Makom, HaShomer HaChadash, the Hesder Yeshiva Organization, Ayalim, the Pre-Military Academies Council, the youth movements, and Bnei Akiva.

We met the community groups moving to Rosh HaNikra, Netu’a, Kiryat Shmona, Metula, and Zar’it — young people who understand that the future of the State of Israel is not built in talkbacks, but in building, in roots, in responsibility.

We announced a dramatic step: Developed land in the north will be sold to families for 100,000 shekels, and to reservists — for 50,000 shekels. Not as a benefit — but as a national declaration of intent. This is not a discount. This is partnership.

And a clear word about security as well: As a cabinet member, I say in the most unequivocal way — The IDF has not withdrawn — and will not withdraw — from the five points in which we are present inside Lebanon. The Shiite villages that were destroyed — will not be rebuilt. And whoever tries — discovers that enforcement applies also in Dahieh. There is no immune area.

And Zionism — is also economics: Even in wartime, the Israeli economy is strong. The farmers in the north did not give up and continued to sow even under fire. The high-tech workers continue to innovate. This too is Zionism. And when it is done from the north — it has double the power.

I look into the eyes of the young people I met today — and I see what Grandma Sarah certainly hoped we would see: A generation that not only protects the state — but builds it anew, from the margins — to the center.

So to those who ask, “Who moves to the north today?” The answer is simple: The Zionists. Those who are not looking for comfort — but for meaning.

And if you’re already moving house — then at least let it have a view of national responsibility from the balcony."

Metula is a town in the far north of Israel, right on the border with Lebanon.