Bedouins encampment
Photo: Guy G.
Negev land reform to be reviewed
Plan allocating Bedouins hundreds of thousands of acres irks Likud members
The Negev land reform, which would have seen the Bedouins
receive hundreds of thousands of acres of land, will undergo another review and may even be pulled altogether, Ynet learned Wednesday.
Land Reform
Attila Somfalvi
Government scheduled to vote on Negev land reform which will see Bedouins getting ownership of extensive lands next week. Elements familiar with plan criticize it, call it 'dangerous legal precedent'
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered Yaakov Amidror, head of the National Security Council to reexamine the issue.
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The current Bedouin settlement plan, put together by a special unit in the Prime Minister's Office, sought to regulate the land issue, and prevent Bedouin tribes from illegally squatting across the Negev.
However, it fell prey to extensive political pressure by the various parties on the Right and the Left, most notably over the recommendation to allot Bedouins in the Negev hundreds of thousands of acres of land, in favor of future towns.
The plan also offers the community large expanses of land, as well as upgraded infrastructure and State funding for construction.
The Prime Minister's Office said the plan was "excellent and comprehensive," adding that Amidror would only review aspects pertaining to NSC jurisdiction. "He will not be making any significant changes to the proposal, which will be brought to a cabinet vote next week," the PM's Office said.
Some of those opposing the plan expressed concerned that such a massive land allocation may lead to a "division of the Negev," as well as a slew of lawsuits over land ownerships and monetary compensation.
Yisrael Beiteinu Chairman Avigdor Lieberman sent Netanyahu an official party appeal asking him to reconsider the plan.
Parties on the Left, as well as the Association for Civil Rights in Israel, said that "the nature of the report is inconsistent with that of the Bedouin community."
Some in the Bedouin community also oppose the plan, which they say that – despite the massive land allocation – will strip them of their right to extensive area.
Attila Somfalvi and Ilana Curiel contributed to this report
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