Israeli Settlers' Outpost Attempt in Majd al-Krum Foiled by Residents
Residents of the Galilee village of Majd al-Krum, along with Arab and Jewish activists and organizations, successfully thwarted an attempt by Israeli settlers, known as 'hilltop youth,' to establish a new settlement outpost in the al-Rus area of the village's hills. The settlers had set up tents and flags in a forested area, which the Jewish National Fund (JNF) claimed was licensed for grazing but not for settlement. Residents, however, observed no livestock, only settlers, indicating a clear intent to establish a permanent presence.
The incident echoes historical land confiscation and settlement efforts in the Galilee, dating back to the 1950s, which led to the 1976 Land Day protests. The JNF, historically involved in land acquisition for settlement, is criticized for its role, with residents noting the irony of settlers now using 'grazing permits' on land previously denied to Arab shepherds. An Israeli police officer's comment to a resident, stating they didn't understand shepherding, further highlighted the disconnect and the settlers' appropriation of the pastoral narrative.
The article draws parallels between this incident and the broader policy of 'Judaizing the Galilee,' a long-standing strategy that predates recent statements by far-right ministers. The presence of 'hilltop youth,' known for their activities in the West Bank, in Majd al-Krum is seen as an extension of this policy, with residents feeling increasingly akin to Palestinians in the West Bank due to the current Israeli government's actions, including administrative detention and alleged extrajudicial killings of Arab citizens.
While the attempt to establish the outpost in Majd al-Krum was repelled by the determined residents, the article emphasizes that this is part of a larger, ongoing settlement project supported by the Israeli establishment, even if it operates outside official channels. The 'pastoral settlement' model, driven by extremist religious-social groups with official backing, is seen as a new phase of settlement expansion. The article concludes that despite political despair and societal issues within the Arab community in Israel, the residents' unified action demonstrates their enduring capacity to resist such attempts, underscoring the need for continued organization and mobilization.
