Arab Citizens Denounce New Israeli Outpost in Galilee

Residents, the Popular Committee, and the Local Council of Majd al-Krum have strongly condemned the establishment of a new Israeli settlement outpost in the al-Rous area, located within the town's jurisdiction. The outpost is situated on lands belonging to the "Permanent Fund for Israel (KKL)" or the "Israel Land Authority," despite a significant portion of the al-Rous land being privately owned by residents of Majd al-Krum.

In a joint statement, the committee and council expressed alarm over the escalating developments, including the provision of a water line to the outpost, the erection of tents and structures, and the visible presence of settlers in the area. The settlers reportedly arrived from a West Bank settlement, heightening concerns about their intent to establish a permanent presence. This development is particularly worrying for local landowners as the olive harvest season approaches, requiring their continuous presence in the area and raising fears of potential friction or harassment.

The establishment of the outpost is viewed within a broader political context of intensified official efforts to promote Jewish settlement and alter the demographic landscape of the Galilee. This follows a ten-year plan discussed at a conference in Karmiel in July, involving Israeli Security Minister Israel Katz, which focused on settlement, demographics, land, planning, and infrastructure in the region.

Majd al-Krum's representatives emphasized that the outpost is not a temporary presence but a forceful imposition of a new reality that infringes upon the property rights and access of local residents. They questioned the legal and administrative basis for the approval of such a settlement in an area under Majd al-Krum's jurisdiction, especially on lands largely owned by its citizens. The council and committee vowed to pursue legal and administrative actions to prevent the outpost from becoming permanent.

The Joint List party echoed these sentiments, denouncing the outpost as a direct implementation of settlement policies being transferred from the West Bank to the Galilee and Negev. They accused Prime Minister Netanyahu, Finance Minister Smotrich, and National Security Minister Ben-Gvir of seeking to replicate West Bank settlement and displacement tactics in Arab towns. The party urged high voter turnout in the upcoming elections as a means to politically resist these government policies.