KKL Holds Emergency Meeting Amid Tensions Over Galilee Land Use

The Jewish National Fund (KKL) will convene an emergency meeting following recent tensions 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, protested the erection of tents and the installation of water and electricity infrastructure on the land. They allege this is an attempt to establish a new settlement outpost, which they fear will impede access to their private olive groves ahead of the upcoming harvest season. Approximately 500 residents participated in the demonstration to halt the ongoing work, and representatives have announced legal action to review the permits issued by the Israel Land Authority.

Conversely, those who leased the land assert that it is designated solely for grazing sheep and deny any intention of permanent settlement. They claim volunteers, including individuals from the territories and a preparatory academy in Karmiel, are assisting in setting up a sheep enclosure, not a residential outpost. KKL stated it is holding the emergency meeting to find a resolution to the crisis.

The events have spilled into the political arena. Bezalel Smotrich, leader of the Religious Zionism party and a government minister, released a video from the protest featuring chants of "Long live Palestine." He criticized the demonstrators and his political opponents, framing the incident as a loss of governance in the heart of the Galilee. Smotrich reiterated his plan for the Judaization of the Negev and Galilee, criticizing Benny Gantz and potential cooperation with the Ra'am party.

Large Border Police forces are currently deployed in the area to separate the parties, secure the site, and prevent further escalation of friction.