Landowner Claims Israeli Authority Ignored His Property Rights Amid Tent Encampment
Saeed Kabt, a landowner in Majd al-Krum, asserts that official land registry documents prove his ownership of approximately half of the land where tents have been erected. Kabt stated that the land has belonged to his family for decades, with ownership transferred to him from his father via official documents. He explained that the total land area is about 8,650 square meters, or 8.5 dunams. Kabt claims ownership of three-sixths of this land, while the remaining three-sixths belong to the Israeli Land Authority, having previously been classified as absentee property.
Kabt presented land registry documents dating back to 1966, with his father formally transferring his share to him in 2017. He emphasized that his family's land is recognized in Majd al-Krum as private property. The land was formerly cultivated, but a lack of a clear partition agreement with the Jewish National Fund has prevented Kabt from precisely defining and utilizing his portion.
He reported that the entire land area has been cleared, and tents, tables, and other items have been set up. Kabt observed recent activity to erect a new tent, noting that three tents, two of which are fully constructed and approximately 100 square meters each, are located on the southern part of his property. He also mentioned a third tent under construction. Kabt stated that access to his land has become extremely difficult, particularly for his elderly father, due to the current situation and the lack of a suitable road.
The legal aid organization Adalah contacted Kabt and advised him to file a formal complaint. He, along with his father and a local lawyer, submitted a complaint to the police regarding the encroachment on private property, but they have not yet received a response from the authorities or those occupying the land. Kabt expressed shock upon realizing the tents were on his land, especially given the belief that such groups are usually aware of their location. He feels helpless due to his inability to access his documented private property.
Kabt highlighted that the support from the residents of Majd al-Krum and the Follow-up Committee extends beyond his personal case, representing a broader issue for the Arab community in the Galilee, the Negev, and the Triangle. He warned that the success of establishing this encampment could encourage similar actions in other Arab towns. While he has not directly contacted the Jewish National Fund, local council officials informed him that Adalah and local lawyers are handling the legal aspects, alongside public engagement. Kabt prefers to coordinate through the council and the popular committee.
