Israeli Settlers Establish Outpost in Majd al-Krum, Sparking Local Resistance

Settlers from the Tekoa settlement near Bethlehem have established a new outpost in the al-Rus area of Majd al-Krum in Israel's Galilee region. Local residents and the Shaghur communities have responded with protests and daily demonstrations to counter the settlers' presence. The local council and popular committee have vowed to continue these activities.

Official data indicates that the majority of the land where the outpost was set up belongs to a Majd al-Krum resident, with the Israel Land Authority controlling another portion. Surrounding lands are also owned by local residents, raising concerns about potential confiscation if the outpost is legalized. The local council, in cooperation with the Adalah Legal Center, has initiated legal action to have the outpost removed.

Israeli police are present at the site, ostensibly to protect the settlers, and have set up a checkpoint, preventing landowners from accessing their property. The settlers claim to be goat herders, a tactic reportedly used to seize land, particularly in the West Bank. The Israeli police stated the settlers' presence was only for the recent Jewish New Year holiday.

Majd al-Krum's local council head, Salim Salibi, stated that settler activity in the area had been gradually increasing before the tents were erected. He noted that initial reports of suspicious individuals were followed by the establishment of tents and a de facto settlement. Confrontations occurred when residents attempted to reach the site, leading to a significant police deployment. Salibi highlighted that the area remains agricultural, and authorities have denied Majd al-Krum permission to expand despite its growing population of approximately 19,000.

Salibi expressed serious concerns about potential escalation, especially if right-wing political groups become involved. He warned that the outpost could create direct friction between Arab residents and settlers. The council is pursuing both public and legal avenues to address the situation. Investigations confirmed that about half of the land for the outpost is privately owned by a local resident.

Landowners like Ibrahim Khlayleh emphasized the deep emotional and familial value of their land, much of which was confiscated in the 1960s. He fears the outpost could expand and directly impact landowners. Muhi al-Din Khlayleh described the land, cultivated with various crops, as integral to their identity and existence, stressing their commitment to remaining there. He views the settlers' arrival as a test of the Arab community's reaction, which could encourage further settlement expansion if met with inaction.