Arab Israeli Towns Face Planning Hurdles Amid Political Interference
Arab local authorities and the advocacy group Sikkuy-Aufoq claim that planning policies in Israel have shifted, negatively impacting development in Arab towns like Tayibe and Umm al-Fahm. They argue that recent decisions, particularly amendments to national outline plan TAMA 35, prioritize political and security considerations over the needs of Arab communities, leading to development restrictions and land expropriation.
Guy Nardi, Sikkuy-Aufoq's housing and land coordinator, explained that while TAMA 35, established in 2005, aimed to balance urban development with open space preservation, recent amendments, especially Amendment 5 in June 2023, have favored rural Jewish settlement, particularly in the periphery. Nardi stated that since the October 7th attacks, settlements are being built as buffers, allegedly to prevent Arab land acquisition. He contrasted this with the period after Government Decision 922 (2016-2020), which he said saw efforts to advance Arab communities.
Local representatives echo these concerns. Adv. Shakir Bala'am, head of the Tayibe Local Council, described how land designated for construction in Tayibe has been reduced, with areas owned by residents being repurposed for non-residential uses like an aggregate terminal serving the Gush Dan region and an interchange for Highway 444. He noted that plans for Tayibe, first deposited in 2003, were only approved in 2024, exacerbating housing shortages and forcing some residents to build without permits. Bala'am also highlighted the increased cooperation between state planning authorities and the Regavim organization, which monitors land use.
In Umm al-Fahm, City Manager Ofer Toder reported difficulties in obtaining development agreements and building permits, citing a reduction in land allocated for local residents in a new neighborhood and a dispute over a buffer zone demanded by the Ministry of Defense between Umm al-Fahm and the nearby Jewish locality of Mi'ami. Toder stated that this buffer zone, initially rejected by planning committees but later insisted upon by the defense establishment, would necessitate demolishing 19 homes and prevent the construction of a vital civic center.
The Planning Administration responded that the Tayibe alternative was chosen after thorough review and that the planning process includes public input. The security establishment stated that the buffer zone in Umm al-Fahm is necessary for safe access for security forces and civilians during emergencies. Ragad Jaraisi, co-CEO of Sikkuy-Aufoq, urged planning institutions to make professional decisions based on residents' needs, not political ideologies, and to halt the systematic reduction of development space for Arab communities.
