Israeli Government Sets Up New Bedouin Settlement Authority

July 17, 2007

On Sunday, possibly timed as a pre-emption of the planned protest, the Israeli government decided to establish the Bedouin Settlement Authority within the Ministry of Housing. At first glance, the declared aims of the newly established Authority seem positive - to resolve the Bedouin land claims, provide permanent housing including infrastructure and public services, offer assistance in finding jobs and coordinate welfare, community and educational services.

"But when you carefully read the government document it becomes clear what the intentions are," explains Yeela Raanan, Director of External Relations for the RCUV. "The word compensation is mentioned time and again, but the small minority of Bedouin representatives in the Authority will not be those with land claims. We think the Authority can be a good opportunity for the government to change the way it relates to the Bedouin, but it must be in a manner that allows them to influence the decision making process about their destiny."

Yeela Raanan outside the Knesset during this week's protests.
A Jewish resident of the Negev,  she is a dynamic and dedicated activist determined to seek justice for the Bedouin.

"The move is a clear indication that the government now intends to solve the issue of the unrecognized Negev Bedouin villages," she adds. "The demolitions have been intended to soften up the Bedouin for the upcoming negotiations. The government wants to concentrate these Bedouin into a few settlements – and that is not acceptable."

Shmulik David, a lobbying consultant for SHATIL specializing in Bedouin issues, stresses that the challenge is to define "red lines" that are unacceptable. "Destroying homes cannot be tolerated and certainly not entire villages," he stated. "We must fight for proper Bedouin representation in the Authority and future negotiations must be transparent and fair."

On Wednesday, following an initiative by the RCUV, the issue of the unrecognized villages will be discussed in the Knesset.