Residents Protest Potential Settlement Outpost in Majd al-Krum

For the third consecutive day, residents of Majd al-Krum and supporters from other Arab towns have been protesting in the al-Rus area against what they describe as attempts to establish a settlement outpost. Protesters gathered near the mountainous area, but police prevented them from reaching the mountain itself, confining the demonstration to the periphery. Notably, Jewish activists who oppose the plan also joined the protest, reflecting a broad spectrum of opposition, according to participants.

Protesters stated their movement will continue through both popular and legal channels to prevent the outpost from being established and to halt any future expansion. Mohammed Salameh, a young resident, emphasized the importance of solidarity and the issue's impact on the future of Arab towns in the Galilee and the Negev. He stressed that continued presence is crucial to prevent the outpost's expansion and highlighted the need for youth participation.

Majd Abu Younes from Sakhnin viewed the presence of settlers in Majd al-Krum's lands as provocative and part of a larger scheme to change the area's demographic character. He linked the events in the Galilee to broader developments, aiming to solidify a new reality where Arab citizens become a minority in their own regions.

The head of the Majd al-Krum local council, Salim Salibi, confirmed the council's engagement in both popular and legal efforts. This includes continued presence in the area and a formal complaint filed through the Adalah legal center, alongside media outreach. Salibi stated that official actions involve both public protest and legal recourse against the perceived settlement plan.

Jamal Shaaban, a member of the popular committee in Majd al-Krum, described the situation as a "pivotal and fateful stage" and indicated that future actions will be "escalatory." He reiterated the parallel legal and public tracks, believing popular pressure to be the most effective, with gradual escalation planned. Shaaban also noted the increasing participation, including from Jewish individuals opposing the plan.

Rawand Khlayleh from Majd al-Krum called participation a "national duty" and warned that inaction could lead to the project's expansion and wider repercussions, stressing that the issue transcends the town's borders.