Oranit

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ORANIT

ORANIT (Heb. אׂרָנִית), urban settlement in Samaria. It is located on the western slopes of the Samarian Hills, northeast of *Petaḥ Tikva, and southeast of *Kefar Sava. Oranit was established by private initiative authorized by the government. In 1985 the first settlers arrived. In 1990 it received municipal council status. In 2002 the population was 5,190, occupying 0.65 sq. mi. (1.750 sq. km.). Residents work outside the settlement. The name of the settlement derives from the pine (Heb. oren) forests nearby.

[Shaked Gilboa (2nd ed.)]