Unrecognized Negev Villages Face Uncertain Future for Over 100,000 Residents

Community activist Sultan Abu Obeid stated that residents of unrecognized villages in the Negev are steadfastly holding onto their homes and lands despite demolition and eviction attempts. He noted that this resilience has persisted for many years, transcending various governments and policies. Abu Obeid estimated that popular struggle has led to the recognition of about 21 villages in recent years, but approximately 35 remain unrecognized, while others face ongoing threats. He indicated that the total population of the Negev exceeds 350,000, with an estimated 100,000 to 120,000 living in these unrecognized villages. Others reside in recognized or planned towns, some of which still lack detailed planning that would permit permanent housing construction.

Abu Obeid explained that recognition alone has not resolved all issues, as disputes persist over planning, boundaries, and land ownership. Villages like Umm Batin, Al-Sarr, and Abu Tlul have been recognized, yet their residents still require more detailed planning for construction and infrastructure development. He highlighted a fundamental conflict: residents desire planning within their villages on their historical lands, while the government, he described, pushes for relocating residents to planned or recognized towns. As an example, he cited Al-Zarnuq village, with 7,000 to 8,000 residents, arguing that relocating them to Rahat neighborhoods would not solve the crisis, especially given Rahat's own pressures.

Residents, Abu Obeid stressed, do not oppose planning but demand it be done in a way that preserves their presence on their lands, considering their housing and social needs and land ownership realities. He linked the ongoing crisis to successive Israeli governments' policies regarding land and space for Arab citizens in the Negev, asserting the dispute extends beyond village recognition to the future existence of residents in the region. He also addressed land ownership, noting that some areas have ownership claims from families and tribes, while the state considers them state lands. Any new planning, he said, requires internal community understanding that respects landowners' rights and accommodates the needs of residents who do not own land in their desired living areas.

Abu Obeid cited the village of Umm al-Hiran, whose residents were relocated to Hura while a Jewish settlement was established on their village site, as an example of residents' fears that planning might lead to their displacement rather than securing their presence. He concluded by emphasizing that the demand of residents in unrecognized villages is for recognition and planning on their historical lands, not relocation, and affirmed their continued commitment to their land and homes.