Kfar Kama Residents Fear Road Seizure for Settlements
Residents of the Arab Israeli town of Kfar Kama are concerned about a plan that could transfer control of "Al-Sahil" street, a vital access road to their agricultural lands, to the Lower Galilee Regional Council. This council oversees nearby Israeli settlements, raising fears that the road could be closed or restricted, effectively benefiting the settlements of Beit Rimmon and Shibolim at the expense of Kfar Kama's residents.
The street is crucial as it leads to approximately 3,000 dunams (about 740 acres) of agricultural land owned by hundreds of Kfar Kama families, serving as the town's primary open space and recreational area. The issue has been under discussion for two years, involving the local council and relevant committees, with the Ministry of Interior yet to make a final decision, partly due to the prolonged absence of an interior minister.
Local council head Azzidin Amara stated that the demand to transfer the street's jurisdiction to the regional council was rejected twice previously. He expressed frustration, questioning the timing of this demand after decades of normal use by both Kfar Kama residents and those of Beit Rimmon, which has existed for about 50 years. Amara suggested the current push is politically motivated, possibly linked to recent discussions about Kfar Kama's potential population growth to 80,000 by 2050, which he believes is being used to incite against the town.
Political activist Bakr Awadeh echoed these concerns, explaining that transferring jurisdiction would grant the regional council the power to control access, potentially leading to closures or restrictions. He also noted that the plan might involve confiscating a 20-meter strip on either side of the road, impacting surrounding lands. Awadeh warned that such actions could mirror practices seen in the West Bank, introducing similar restrictions into Arab communities within Israel, and called for community organization and legal action to prevent the plan.
Recent actions, such as the placement of Israeli flags along the road, are seen by some as an attempt to assert control and demarcate boundaries. The Kfar Kama Local Council maintains it is operating within official procedures, including those set by the Israel Land Authority.
