Prime Minister Netanyahu on the disturbances that took place on 30 November 2013:

(Communicated by the Prime Minister's Media Adviser)

PM Netanyahu: "We will treat offenders to the fullest extent of the law and will not tolerate such disturbances. We have – and will have – no tolerance for those who break the law. Attempts by a loud and violent minority to deny a better future to a large and broad population are grave. We will continue to advance the law for a better future for all residents of the Negev."


Manipulating and abusing the Bedouin cause
(Authority for Bedouin Settlements in the Negev, Ministry of Construction and Housing)

The government of Israel regrets that extremists, many of whom are not Bedouin, chose to divert the open debate about a purely social and humanitarian cause into a confrontation, falsely linked to the Palestinian issue. Behind the recent violent protests lie alien interests rather than a sincere concern for the Bedouin rights to a higher quality of life.

The Bedouin of the Negev, being equal citizens, deserve adequate housing, public services and a better future for their children. We call upon the Negev Bedouin to take a stand for their own future and not let anyone else abuse and manipulate this process for alien causes.

We are now in the process of preparing the legislation which, upon approval, will become a practical tool to resolve the long-standing land ownership claims, which are the main obstacle to the development of the Negev for all its inhabitants. The process will lead to a resolution of the land claims, with an investment of 1.2 billion shekels (US$ 300,000,000) in infrastructure, housing, health, public services and education for the future of the Bedouin. A variety of rural and urban living options will allow the Bedouin population to integrate into the fabric of a modern state while preserving their traditions. 

The large majority of the Bedouin will continue to live in their current location, while property rights will be resolved, regularized and recognized.