Question
Is it Halachically permitted to endanger one’s self in order to fulfil the Mitzva of Yishuv Ha’aretz in settlements?
Answer
You're asking a good question, since we know one isn't allowed to endanger one's slef ("Pikuach Nefesh").
Even so, many things we do are dangerous, such as living in Israel, which is less safe than living in Chutz La'aretz, but Hashem commanded us to live in Israel anyway (and fight the seven nations etc.); meaning there are some Mitzvot that even though they are dangerous we are commanded to do them, and some that we aren't allowed to do if they are dangerous. Chazal say that the Mitzvah of Yishuv Eretz Yisrael stands even when it's dangerous, but they don't tell us where to live in Eretz Yisrael. Of course, settlers are performing a great Mitzva,and whoever lives in other places isn't doing any Averah and is not obliged to move to a settlement (even though if they don't the land will be taken by Goyim), and if they move to settlements they will recieve a great reward.
Rabbi Dov Lior
