Located in the center of the Jordan Valley, 34.5 kilometers from the Green line, it falls under the jurisdiction of Bik'at HaYarden Regional Council.

[3] During the Roman period, King Herod the Great of Judaea established a new city in the Jordan Valley north of Jericho, which he named Phasaelis (Ancient Greek: Φασαηλίς, Phasaēlís[4]), in dedication to his elder brother Phasael.

Petza'el was established near Ma'ale Efraim in 1970 by former soldiers who were members of the Moshavim Movement.

Haaretz reported the illegal race track was built by the west bank regional council by using public funds.

[10] The settlement operates two kindergartens, several clubs for the members, a synagogue, pool, grocery store and recreation sites.