KKL Holds Emergency Meeting Amid Tensions Over Galilee Land Use

The Jewish National Fund (KKL) will convene an emergency meeting following recent tensions and protests in an agricultural area between the Arab town of Majd al-Krum and the Israeli settlement of Gilon in the Galilee. Residents of Majd al-Krum, supported by their local council and political activists, have protested the erection of tents, cables, and water and electricity infrastructure on the land. They claim this is an attempt to establish a new settlement outpost on their land, potentially hindering access to their private olive groves ahead of the upcoming harvest season. Approximately 500 residents demonstrated to halt the work and are pursuing legal action to examine the legality of permits issued by the Israel Land Authority.

Conversely, those who leased the land deny establishing a settlement. They stated to N12 that the land was leased from KKL for sheep grazing purposes only. They claim volunteers, including residents from the Palestinian territories and a preparatory academy in Karmiel, are assisting in setting up a compound for the sheep, not for permanent settlement.

The events have escalated into the political arena. Bezalel Smotrich, head of the Religious Zionism party and a government minister, released a video of the protest featuring chants of "Long live Palestine." He sharply criticized the protesters and his political rivals, asserting the incident signifies a "loss of governance in the heart of the Galilee." Smotrich reiterated his plan for the Judaization of the Negev and Galilee and criticized Benny Gantz and potential cooperation with the Ra'am party.

Large Border Police forces are deployed to the area to separate the sides, secure the location, and prevent further escalation of friction.