Jewish National Fund to Dismantle Illegal Outpost Near Majd al-Krum

The Jewish National Fund (JNF) has decided to immediately dismantle temporary structures and move them from a disputed agricultural area near the Arab town of Majd al-Krum and the Jewish community of Gilon. The decision came after an emergency meeting held Tuesday, following several days of tension and protests.

Residents of Majd al-Krum, along with local officials and activists, protested the erection of tents and the installation of water and electricity infrastructure, alleging an attempt to establish a new settlement outpost on their land. They expressed concern that this could impede access to their private olive groves ahead of the upcoming harvest season. Approximately 500 residents demonstrated to halt the work, and representatives announced plans to legally challenge permits issued by the Israel Land Authority.

Those who leased the land, however, deny establishing a settlement. They told N12 that the land was leased from the JNF for sheep grazing purposes only. They stated that volunteers, including residents from other areas and young people from a preparatory program, are assisting in setting up a compound for sheep, not for permanent settlement.

In connection with the protests, activist Alon Li Green was arrested on suspicion of assaulting police officers during a solidarity rally. Meanwhile, 260 Jewish and Arab local leaders and activists sent a letter to the JNF chairman urging action to prevent escalation and preserve shared life in the Galilee. They warned that allowing a group to establish a physical presence to advance a nationalist agenda could lead to a permanent presence and a dangerous precedent elsewhere in the region.