Maged Al-Krum Mayor Vows Peaceful Resistance to Settlement Outpost Near City
The mayor of Maged Al-Krum, Salim Salibi, stated that the dismantling of a previous settlement outpost does not resolve the issue, emphasizing the local council's and popular committee's opposition to any settlement presence in the area. Local reports indicate the outpost's location falls within Maged Al-Krum's jurisdiction and includes private land owned by residents. Salibi described the previous presence as an attempt to establish a settlement outpost, which was countered by peaceful popular action leading to its removal. He expressed concern over potential attempts to re-establish the site under the guise of pastoral activity, asserting that Maged Al-Krum will not permit it to become a permanent fixture.
Salibi highlighted that the issue remains open despite the removal of temporary structures, citing declarations from the "Calcal" group about continuing grazing and the possibility of re-establishing the camp. The local council and popular committee will monitor developments, and any attempt to reintroduce tents or establish a presence will face popular mobilization, he said.
The mayor also addressed Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich's recent visit to the outpost site for an election rally, calling it a provocative message during the election period. Salibi believes Smotrich is exploiting the issue for votes by showcasing his stance on the Galilee, while Maged Al-Krum residents aim to avoid direct confrontation.
Smotrich has recently advocated for strengthening Jewish presence in the Galilee and transferring the "revolution" from the West Bank to the Galilee and Negev. Salibi noted that the minister's presence in the "Al-Russ" area heightens tensions, but stressed that the response will be peaceful and popular, not a direct clash.
Salibi affirmed that past popular action demonstrated residents' ability to prevent the outpost's consolidation and that a plan is in place to counter any attempts to re-establish tents or structures. He stated that if settlers return to occupy or camp, the youth of Maged Al-Krum will mobilize in response. He differentiated between a temporary visit for electoral purposes and the establishment of permanent structures, emphasizing the goal is to prevent the "Al-Russ" area from becoming a permanent outpost through peaceful and popular pressure.
Salibi concluded that the struggle for Maged Al-Krum extends beyond this specific site, encompassing opposition to replicating West Bank settlement models in the Galilee and protecting the land from permanent establishment.
