Arab Israelis Protest Jewish Shepherds in Galilee, Sparking Political Outcry

A protest by Arab citizens of Israel took place Monday evening near the town of Majd al-Krum in the Galilee region. The demonstration was triggered by the arrival of Jewish shepherds to graze their flocks in nearby Jewish National Fund (JNF) forest areas, an activity legally permitted by the JNF.

The presence of the shepherds ignited strong opposition from local Arab residents, who gathered for a vocal protest. Social media footage showed dozens of demonstrators surrounded by security vehicles and flashing police lights. Protesters were seen chanting "Long live Palestine" and other slogans against the Jewish shepherds' presence.

The incident drew a sharp political response from the Religious Zionism party. The party stated that "Calls of 'Long live Palestine' in the heart of the Galilee are an expression of lost governance and the need for a comprehensive change in the conduct of the State of Israel in an entire region that was conquered. It is time we look in the eyes of the real threat that is emerging from the north and south. Only Religious Zionism has laid out a detailed plan to change the situation in the Negev and the Galilee. [Defense Minister Yoav] Gallant depends on [MK Mansour] Abbas and therefore will let Arabs run wild. Religious Zionism will transfer the revolution in Judea and Samaria to the Negev and the Galilee."

The protest occurred in an area where Jewish shepherds were legally permitted to graze their livestock, leading to tensions with the local Arab population.