Israeli Planning Council Approves Road Plan Threatening Land Seizures

Israel's National Planning Council on Tuesday approved the deposit of a plan by the Ministry of Transportation to establish the 'Alexander' junction and upgrade Road 553. The project, managed by Hutzot Israel, aims to directly connect Sharon region towns like Tayibe, Tira, and Kadima to the Trans-Israel Highway and public transport routes. However, the plan poses a threat of land confiscation for residents of Tayibe, Tira, and Qalansawe.

The plan involves widening and lengthening Road 553 into a four-lane highway and constructing the 'Alexander' junction where Roads 6, 444, and 553 intersect. The Ministry of Transportation stated that the project will significantly improve the Sharon region's road network and alleviate traffic congestion, including on Roads 2 and 4.

Former Tayibe Mayor, attorney Shuaa Masarwa Mansour, criticized the approval, calling previous assurances of the plan's cancellation "smoke in the eyes." He urged residents to submit objections to the plan, emphasizing that the process is not over and that Tayibe municipality must actively protect the town's land.