Israel: Further protests against tree-planting project likely in Southern District's Bedouin communities through at least mid-January /update 1

Event

Further protests against a tree-planting program sponsored by the Keren Kayemeth LeIsrael-Jewish National Fund (KKL-JNF) are likely in Bedouin communities in southern Israel through at least mid-January. Related demonstrations and transport disruptions have been reported in and around several towns and villages of the Southern District since Jan. 11, including Segev Shalom/Shaqib al-Salam, Tel Sheva/Tel as-Sabi, El-Atrash, and Rahat. Associated clashes have left dozens of protesters wounded in recent days, and police have arrested scores amid the demonstrations.

Heightened security and clashes between Bedouin protesters and police remain likely in the vicinity of any additional demonstrations. Transport disruptions are also likely near protest sites and on Routes 25 and 31, east of Be'er Sheva.

Context

Bedouins assert the KKL-JNF program is a ploy to take their land and expel them from settlements that the Israeli government does not recognize. For its part, the Israeli government is reportedly seeking to reach a compromise with the demonstrators, including through recognition of several heretofore unrecognized Bedouin settlements in the Negev and a pause on tree planting in the most sensitive areas.

The tree-planting program has garnered significant political attention in recent days, with multiple Israeli politicians and parties weighing in on the issue. Notably, the United Arab List (Ra'am) party, staunchly supported by Arab residents of the Negev, has warned that it may snub plenum votes and thereby stymie the legislative work of Israel's fragile ruling coalition if the tree planting is not stopped. Alternate Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Yair Lapid has also called for the program to be suspended. In contrast, former Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has expressed strong support for the KKL-JNF effort and has called on Prime Minister Naftali Bennett to condemn what he alleged was the Ra'am party's incitement of the unrest.

KKL-JNF is a nonprofit organization established in 1901 that focuses on afforestation, water management, and land development in Israel, among other environment-related activities.

Advice

Avoid all protest-affected areas. Consider taking alternative routes to circumvent associated transport disruptions. Adhere to all instructions issued by local authorities.