Arab Local Authority Heads in South Reject Home Demolitions, Vow Action
Translated & summarized from Arab48 by baba
The Forum of Heads of Arab Local Authorities in the South announced steps against home demolitions in the Negev after the Abu Wadi family's homes were destroyed. The forum condemned the policies, accused ministers of political exploitation, and called for legal intervention and planning solutions. They pledged support for the affected family and urged Arab parties and citizens to prioritize these issues in political action and elections.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Arab local authority heads in the South announced steps against home demolitions in the Negev.
- The forum condemned demolition policies, citing humanitarian crises and displacement of hundreds.
- Ministers Itamar Ben-Gvir and Amichai Chikli were accused of exploiting demolitions for political gain.
- The forum will petition the government's legal advisor to halt demolitions and find housing solutions.
- Arab political parties were urged to prioritize Negev issues in coalition negotiations.
- A solidarity prayer for the Abu Wadi family is scheduled for October 16, 2026.
The Forum of Heads of Arab Local Authorities in the South announced on Tuesday a series of steps to counter home demolitions in the Negev region. This comes after the destruction of homes belonging to the Abu Wadi family in the village of Al-Dahiya, which left hundreds displaced and without shelter. The forum stated that affected families, including children, women, and the elderly, face severe humanitarian conditions due to a lack of alternative housing, forcing local authorities to open educational institutions to house them. The forum condemned the demolition and displacement policies, deeming them a threat to the existence and rights of Arab citizens in the Negev, including their rights to land, housing, and a dignified life. They accused Ministers Itamar Ben-Gvir and Amichai Chikli of exploiting demolitions for political gain during election periods.
In response, the forum plans to send a letter to the government's legal advisor, urging intervention to halt demolitions and displacement, prevent their political exploitation, and develop planning and housing solutions for stability. They called on Arab political parties to prioritize Negev issues, such as home demolitions, violence, land, housing, and planning, making them central to any coalition negotiations or government support. The forum also encouraged broad participation in elections, viewing political engagement as a means to channel anger over demolition policies into effective change.
The forum pledged support for the Abu Wadi family, promising essential aid and assistance to bolster their resilience and alleviate their suffering. They are organizing a communal Friday prayer at the Abu Wadi family's home in Al-Dahiya on October 16, 2026, to show solidarity. The forum emphasized that the Negev's issues are a collective responsibility, vowing continued joint efforts to defend residents' rights, oppose demolitions and displacement, and advocate for just solutions ensuring housing security and dignified lives.
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