In a landmark move, Taiwan has become the first foreign nation to officially donate funds for the development of an Israeli settlement, providing a significant contribution to a new medical center being built in the Binyamin region of the West Bank.
The donation was formalized during a visit by Taiwan’s representative to Israel, Ya-Ping (Abby) Lee, who met with Binyamin Regional Council head and Yesha Council chairman Israel Gantz. Accompanied by MK Ohad Tal (Religious Zionism), Lee toured the construction site of the “Nanshi” Medical Center in the Sha’ar Binyamin industrial zone and laid a cornerstone for one of its units.
This visit marked the first time a Taiwanese diplomat has officially visited a Jewish community in Judea and Samaria.
During the visit, the parties signed a joint declaration affirming their commitment to continued friendly relations. The historic partnership, they stated, reflects a shared dedication to the life-saving mission of the medical center, which will serve tens of thousands of residents in the area.
Council head Israel Gantz hailed the event as a sign of growing international recognition for the Jewish presence in Judea and Samaria. “This contribution is immensely important and expands the international recognition of the settlement enterprise,” he stated.
MK Ohad Tal added, “Especially in these times…we continue to connect our friends in the world to Judea and Samaria.”
The Taiwanese representative emphasized the humanitarian aspect of the donation. “Medical cooperation has been a key area in Taiwan-Israel relations for decades,” said Lee. “We are pleased to extend this cooperation to the regional level… to save lives and ensure the right to health regardless of origin, age, or gender.”
The visit is part of a broader diplomatic effort by the Binyamin Council’s foreign relations desk, which has recently included meetings with Argentinian President Javier Milei and former U.S. Ambassador to Israel, Mike Huckabee.