Izraeli Cabinet Approves Minister Benny Begin’s Recommendations on Formalizing the
Status of Bedouin Settlement in the NegevThe Cabinet, today (Sunday, 27 January 2013), by a vote of 16-3-1, approved
Minister Benny Begin’s recommendations on formalizing the status of Bedouin
settlement in the Negev.
Minister Begin’s recommendations were formulated in the wake of
unprecedented consultations he held among Negev Bedouin, during which he and
the Construction and Housing Ministry Authority on Formalizing the Status of
Bedouin Settlement in the
Negev<www.moch.gov.il/
officials met with over 1,000 Negev Bedouin, as well as their relevant
groups and organizations.
In its decision, the Cabinet adopted the recommendations of the commission,
chaired by retired Supreme Court Judge Eliezer
Goldberg<www.pmo.gov.
df>, in which it was proposed, „to recognize – as much as possible – each of
the unrecognized villages in which there is a minimal mass of residents,
such as will be determined, and which will be able to bear municipal status,
and on the condition that such recognition will not contravene the district
master plan.” The assessment is that after the implementation of the
outline, most Bedouin living in communities the planning of which is not
formalized, will be able to continue living on site after the planning is
formalized.
Regarding ownership claims, it was decided – inter alia – that compensation,
in land or money, will be given for all of the area in question (and not
just half, as determined by a decision of the previous government).
The Cabinet approved draft legislation that sets a binding framework, and
allocates time, according to which if one seeking ownership will not –
within five years – agree to the proffered compromise, his ownership claim
will no longer have any value and the land will be registered as state land.
The plan significantly strengthens enforcement authorities in the field
The plan accepted by the Cabinet will be submitted to the 19th Knesset as
soon as a new government is established.
The Cabinet will also invest an unprecedented approximately NIS 1.2 billion
in a five-year plan to promote the economic development and growth among
Negev Bedouin, and will also invest hundreds of millions of shekels in
developing infrastructures in Bedouin communities.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said, „The goal of this historic decision
is to put an end to the spread of illegal building by Negev Bedouin and lead
to the better integration of the Bedouin into Israeli society. All
governments avoided dealing with this issue, but this brave decision will
facilitate the continued development and prosperity of the Negev, for the
benefit of all its residents.”
Minister Begin said, „This is the most extensive arrangement that the state
can propose. The plan is an expression of the Government’s goodwill and
readiness to reach a solution. From the Government’s point-of-view, it is
important that the plan be set in legislation. The Bedouin are citizens with
equal rights and constitute an inseparable part of the Negev. There is the
responsibility to assist the Bedouin in alleviating their plight and
ensuring a more positive future for their children. Now, we expect the
Bedouin to respond to this proposal.”
Minister Moshe Yaalon said, „This is a historic decision that all previous
governments avoided making. The current situation is good only for the
Islamic extremists and lawbreakers and for those who want to assail the
State of Israel; therefore, it must be fundamentally changed.”
Minister Yitzhak Aharonovitch said, „Every day that passes without a
decision – the situation approaches a point of no return. Approving the law
is very important also for its enforcement on the ground.”
Minister Avi Dichter said, „This is the most correct, fair, generous and
strong proposal that can be made today. If we wait, the situation will
intensify and the price will be higher.”
Minister Begin’s report (in Hebrew) is available
here<www.pmo.gov.il/
