Negev Coexistence Forum for Civil Equality
פורום דו-קיום בנגב לשוויון אזרחי
منتدى التعايش السلمي في النقب من أجل المساواة المدنية

With the emerging Israeli coalition government, which was sworn on June 13th, the United Arab List headed by Mansour Abbas negotiated among other things, to address the plight of the unrecognized Bedouin communities, in terms of infrastructure, access to basic services and housing solutions. By doing so, the coalition agreement includes the recognition of the unrecognized Bedouin villages of Khašim Zannih, Rakhamah and ʿAbdih in the first 45 days of its term; as well as the presentation of a plan that will propose housing solutions for the Bedouin citizens living in unrecognized villages in the Negev, in the first nine months.

We expect the new government to bring about a democratic solution for the recognition process of the 35 unrecognized villages, quickly providing building permits and proper infrastructure, as well as housing solutions for the Bedouin residents. The Naqab’s Bedouin citizens deserve to live a dignified life on their historical lands, like the rest of the citizens.

The new government must eradicate the policy of eviction towards its Arab citizens, end police violence and provide an adequate housing plan that is participatory and sensitive of the culture, designed to promote the wellbeing of all its citizens.