Israel’s coalition in crisis over tree planting in Bedouin areas

The crisis within the coalition over a forestation project on lands used by Bedouin communities in the Negev has won Israel’s opposition some victories in the Knesset.
MENAHEM KAHANA/AFP via Getty Images
Israeli security forces and undercover police arrest a young Beduin demonstrator during a protest in the southern Israeli village of Sawe al-Atrash in the Neguev Desert against an forestation project by the Jewish National Fund, on Jan. 13, 2022. - MENAHEM KAHANA/AFP via Getty Images
Mazal Mualem
Mazal Mualem
@mazalm3

On Jan. 12, Israel’s Change coalition suffered its worst crisis since its establishment seven months ago. The Islamist Ra’am faction abandoned ship and the opposition scored a series of victories.

The downfall followed three days of riots in the Negev region, with stone-throwing and clashes between Bedouins residing in the area and the police. Some of the Bedouin rioters were arrested.

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