Court Orders Evacuation of West Bank Outpost; Settlers Vow to Stay
A legal order has been issued to evacuate an outpost established on land in Majd al-Krum, according to lawyer Hussein Manaa. The decision followed legal and popular pressure campaigns over recent days, with the order encompassing the removal of all structures at the site. Members of the popular committee are directly monitoring the situation on the ground, and initial observations suggest dismantling of the built structures has begun. Any future agreement regarding the land's use would occur elsewhere and under specific conditions.
This development coincided with the arrest of activists Alon Lee Green and Sujud Badran during protests against the outpost. Following interrogation, Lee Green's detention was extended, and he is to appear in court, while Badran was released under conditions including five days of house arrest. Manaa criticized the police's handling of the detainees and their legal representatives at the Karmiel police station, stating his intention to file a complaint. Lawyers reportedly faced restrictions entering the station, and Manaa only spoke with the responsible officer after informing police of his intent to appeal Badran's detention.
Manaa described the popular committee's protests as organized and legal, with hundreds participating without illegal actions. He linked the Majd al-Krum events to broader concerns about Judaization projects in the Galilee, emphasizing the need for continuous popular mobilization alongside legal action. He urged proactive planning and monitoring of areas around Arab towns to counter new outpost attempts.
However, political activist Rami Haidar, present at the outpost, stated the situation remains uncertain despite the evacuation order. While a tent was dismantled, settlers remain with furniture and supplies, potentially allowing them to stay for several days. The settlers have publicly declared they will not leave. Police presence has diminished, with only a monitor on-site who lacks authority and is attempting to contact officials without response. The popular committee plans to continue its activities until the site is fully evacuated, amid fears of the outpost expanding or settlers returning.
