The Indigenous World 2025: Bedouin in the Negev-Naqab

Written on 25 April 2025. Posted in Bedouin in the Negev/Naqab

The Bedouin of Israel's Negev-Naqab region represent a unique Indigenous minority, numbering approximately 305,000 individuals and constituting approximately 3.5% of Israel's total population.^[1] Traditionally leading a semi-nomadic lifestyle, these communities have deep-rooted connections to the Negev-Naqab desert landscape. However, Israeli policies have significantly impacted their rights to lands, resources, and cultural expression.^[2]

While some Bedouin villages receive State recognition, many remain “unrecognized”, resulting in a denial of essential infrastructure such as proper electricity and easy access to education and healthcare.^[3] Today, the Bedouin live in three types of location: government-established towns, recognized villages, and unrecognized villages. Over half live in seven government-established towns, the rest live in 11 villages officially recognized by the State and in 35 unrecognized villages that lack official recognition, limiting access to essential services. This lack of recognition perpetuates socio-economic challenges, positioning Bedouin communities among the most impoverished in Israel.^[4]

In 2024, the Israeli authorities stepped up the demolition of unrecognized Bedouin villages in the Negev-Naqab region, displacing hundreds in order to develop infrastructure and establish Jewish communities. These events highlight the Bedouin community's ongoing challenges in securing land rights and recognition. As their population grows, there is a growing urgency to assert Indigenous rights, land ownership, and equitable access to services, with youth increasingly leading the efforts for change.

This article is part of the 39^th edition of The Indigenous World, a yearly overview produced by IWGIA that serves to document and report on the developments Indigenous Peoples have experienced. The photo above is of an Indigenous activist Funa-ay Claver, a Bontok Igorot, standing alongside Indigenous youth activists and others. They are protesting against the repressive laws and human rights violations suffered through the actions and projects of the Government of the Philippines and other actors against Indigenous Peoples at President Marcos Jr’s national address on 22 July 2024 in Quezon City, Philippines. The photo was taken by Katribu Kalipunan ng Katutubong Mamamayan ng Pilipinas and is the cover of The Indigenous World 2025 where this article is featured. Find The Indigenous World 2025 in full here

Legislative and policy developments

Increase in structure demolitions

The Israeli government intensified demolitions and forced evictions in unrecognized Bedouin villages within the Negev-Naqab region in 2024, citing “illegal construction” and “infrastructure development needs” as primary justifications. The village of Umm al-Hiran was, notably, demolished to establish a new Jewish settlement named Dror.^[5] This action is particularly contentious as Israeli authorities had initially relocated the community to this site in the 1950s, following their displacement from their ancestral lands in 1952. Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir framed these demolitions as necessary enforcement to address the perceived “anarchy” of Bedouin communities. Overall, more than 4,000 homes and buildings were demolished in 2024, exacerbating the displacement and marginalization of Bedouin populations.^[6]

With the support of civil society organizations, Bedouin communities have taken various measures to counter the demolition orders and evictions. They have filed legal challenges to contest these orders, aiming to halt or delay the evictions. Advocacy groups have organized peaceful protests and awareness raising campaigns, both domestically and internationally, to highlight the struggles faced by the affected communities. Additionally, there have been collaborative efforts to engage with the Israeli authorities in hope of negotiating alternative solutions that respect the rights and heritage of the Bedouin people.^[7]

Despite these efforts, the demolitions have persisted, leading to calls for increased international intervention and support to protect the rights of Bedouin communities in the Negev-Naqab region.

The Rifman proposal

It is alongside this that the proposed “Rifman Law” emerged, aimed at regulating Bedouin settlements and promoting economic development in the Negev.^[8] The law offers instruments for regulation, economic development, administrative solutions for governance, and personal security. Critics argue, however, that it perpetuates systemic marginalization by excluding Bedouin representatives from planning processes and undermining traditional practices. Haggai Reznik, head of the Rifman Institute, emphasized the urgency of legal solutions, stating, “We are obliged to insist and fight for legal solutions to be found. We can no longer continue with the neglect of Bedouin society.”

In practice, however, in reality this law would place the Bedouins under a “special” civil regime, different from that of the general Israeli citizenry, and exclude Bedouin representatives from decision-making processes, undermining the community's autonomy and failing to address its specific needs. This approach echoes past policies such as the Prawer Plan, which sought to forcibly relocate tens of thousands of Bedouins under the guise of urbanization and "development". Civil society and human rights organizations have expressed concern over the proposed "Rifman Law” and see it as a potential catalyst for the further marginalization of Bedouin communities in the Negev-Naqab region. Critics argue that, despite its stated aims, the law could lead to forced relocations as experienced in the past and the continuing erosion of the Bedouins' traditional way of life and the protection of their land rights. Far from being a constructive solution, the “Rifman Law” is widely perceived as a legal tool to justify these actions. These developments underscore Bedouin communities' ongoing challenges in securing their land rights and preserving their cultural heritage amid State-led development initiatives.^[9]

In response, various organizations have mobilized to inform and empower the Bedouin about the impact of the “Rifman Law”. Initiatives include educational workshops in unrecognized villages, where legal experts explain the potential impact of the law and discuss the rights of residents. Petitions have been launched to challenge the law's provisions and prevent it from coming into force by legal means. Joint conferences have also been organized, bringing together multiple stakeholders to develop strategies for effective countermeasures and to amplify the voices of those directly affected. In addition, activists have engaged directly in the Knesset by presenting position papers and participating in committee discussions to express their opposition to the law. These collective efforts underscore the organizations’ commitment to protecting the Bedouin community's land rights and cultural heritage from discriminatory measures.^[10]

Community activism halts afforestation in Saʿwah

In December 2024, a visit to the Bedouin village of Saʿwah in the Negev-Naqab region by Negev Coexistence Forum for Civil Equality’s (NCF) executive director revealed that the Keren Kayemeth LeIsrael-Jewish National Fund (KKL-JNF)^[11] had ceased its afforestation activities there, which had previously (in 2022) aimed to plant trees on the village’s agricultural lands.^[12] At the time, ownership of the land was still in dispute in court.^[13] This cessation suggests that sustained community activism, including peaceful protests against these tree-planting projects, can effectively influence policy decisions and protect Indigenous land rights. The Bedouin community's organized opposition, supported by various NGOs and civil society organizations, played a crucial role in halting these activities, highlighting the power of collective action in challenging policies that threaten their cultural heritage and land rights.^[14]

International engagement and Indigenous participation

In 2024, the Bedouin communities of the Negev-Naqab region, notably Wadi al-Khalil and Umm al-Hiran, faced significant challenges. In May, Israeli authorities demolished 47 homes in Wadi al-Khalil, leading to the forced eviction of over 300 residents. Later, in November, the village of Umm al-Hiran was completely demolished to make way for a new religious Jewish settlement, Dror, displacing its Bedouin inhabitants to the Bedouin town of Hura. These actions drew national and international attention, prompting solidarity events and interventions from various organizations.

In response to the planned demolition of Umm al-Hiran, solidarity events were organized in Israel to raise awareness and support for the Bedouin community. One notable initiative involved setting up a traditional Bedouin tent in Tel Aviv and inviting passersby to engage and learn about Bedouin culture and the challenges unrecognized villages face. This event was organized by the Regional Council of Unrecognized Bedouin Villages and NCF distributed printed reports to those seeking more information. Despite these efforts, the village was eventually evacuated and demolished, highlighting the limitations of grassroots activism in the face of State policies.

The demolition of Umm al-Hiran garnered some international attention, but only once it was too late. Following a letter from NCF, the UN Special Rapporteur on the right to adequate housing, Balakrishnan Rajagopal, requested an emergency report detailing the situation. NCF, in collaboration with Bedouin activists, compiled a comprehensive report outlining the broader pattern of home demolitions, displacement, and systemic erasure of Bedouin communities in the Negev-Naqab. On 17 December 2024, eight UN Special Rapporteurs issued a formal communication to the Israeli government, expressing urgent concerns about forced evictions, home demolitions, and non-compliance with international human rights law.^[15] The communication specifically addressed:

• The demolition of Umm al-Hiran and the forced displacement of its residents.
• The widespread demolition of homes in unrecognized Bedouin villages across the Negev.
• Israel’s violation of international human rights law concerning minority communities.
• The absence of resettlement or alternative housing options for displaced Bedouin families.

The Israeli government was requested to respond by 15 February 2025; however, no response had been received as of the writing of this article in late February. Additionally, NCF and Sidreh submitted a report to the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child highlighting the severe challenges faced by Bedouin children, including limited access to education and healthcare, the destabilizing impact of home demolitions, pervasive poverty, and food insecurity.^[16] The report also emphasized the lack of protection for these children during conflicts, leaving them exceptionally vulnerable.

Insights from community workshops

NCF’s coordinators have gained valuable insights by conducting workshops with women and children in unrecognized Bedouin villages. These interactions have revealed the significant impact that systemic challenges have on daily life. For example, the photography workshops for children, organized in collaboration with village committees, have offered a platform for self-expression and storytelling, showcasing the resilience and creativity of the youth.^[17] Likewise, initiatives such as the Desert Embroidery Project empower women by utilizing their traditional skills to generate income, which fosters economic independence and preserves cultural heritage.^[18] These efforts highlight the importance of community-driven programmes in addressing socio-economic disparities and promoting cultural preservation.

Empowerment through research and conferences

Collaborative efforts between NCF's research centre, Nagabiya, and local communities have led to the organization of conferences addressing the challenges and opportunities Bedouin women face.^[19] These events have seen significant participation from young women eager to engage in discussions about education, employment, and social rights. The conferences provide platforms for knowledge exchange, capacity building, and leadership development among Bedouin women, contributing to their empowerment and active participation in societal development.^[20]

These initiatives reflect a growing movement within the Bedouin community, particularly among women and youth, striving for socio-economic advancement and cultural preservation. Their active participation in both local and international contexts is crucial for advocating more inclusive policies and enhancing the recognition of Bedouin rights, thereby contributing to a more equitable future.

Outlook for 2025/2026

The Bedouin communities in the Negev-Naqab region face a challenging future as they contend with legislative measures and ongoing systemic issues. The proposed “Rifman Law”, presented as a framework for integrating Bedouin society and transforming the Negev, has been met with significant concern from Bedouin communities and advocacy groups. Critics argue that, despite its stated intentions, the law may lead to further displacement and erosion of traditional Bedouin lifestyles, as it emphasizes development that may not align with the needs and rights of Indigenous populations. The success of this legislation will largely depend on genuine community engagement and balancing development with respect for civil liberties.

Grassroots activism has proven its ability to effect change, as seen in the halting of some controversial projects due to sustained community efforts. However, systemic challenges continue to loom large. The trend of home demolitions and forced evictions has escalated, with reports indicating a significant increase in such actions. In 2024 alone, there were over 4,900 demolitions of Bedouin homes and other essential structures, resulting in worsening socio-economic disparities and undermining community stability.

International attention and intervention have played a vital role in bringing these issues to light. Communications from UN Special Rapporteurs and reports submitted to bodies such as the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child have emphasized the urgent need to address the rights and welfare of Bedouin communities. These efforts can influence policy and encourage the Israeli government to align its practices with international human rights standards.

Looking ahead to 2025 and 2026, the future trajectory for Bedouin communities will likely be shaped by the interplay of legislative actions, community resilience, and international advocacy. While initiatives such as the “Rifman Law” provide a framework for development, careful monitoring of their implementation is essential to ensure they do not infringe upon the rights and traditions of the Bedouin people. The empowerment of women and youth, combined with ongoing grassroots activism, will be crucial in navigating these challenges and working toward a more equitable and just future for the Indigenous populations of the Negev-Naqab.

Every year we aim to document the situation of the Bedouin in both Israel and Palestine. Unfortunately, this year, our authors were not able to provide an article on the Bedouin in Palestine.

The Negev Coexistence Forum for Civil Equality (NCF) was established in 1997 to provide a space for Arab-Jewish shared society in the struggle for civil equality and the advancement of mutual tolerance and coexistence in the Negev/Naqab. NCF is unique in being the only Arab-Jewish organization that remains focused solely on the problems confronting the Negev/Naqab area. NCF considers that the State of Israel is failing to respect, protect and fulfil its human rights obligations, without discrimination, towards the Arab Bedouin Indigenous communities in the Negev/Naqab. As a result, NCF has set one of its goals as the achievement of full civil rights and equality for all people who make the Negev/Naqab their home.

This article was prepared by Chloé Portheault, NCF International Advocacy Coordinator for the Bedouin minority’s rights, and Huda Abu Obaid, NCF Executive Director.

Nūra al-Ṣaġāyreh, NCF Field Coordinator, and Intisar Abu Kwider, NCF Coordinator of the Documentation Project for Children, also provided important feedback from the children and women they meet during workshops.

This article is part of the 39^th edition of The Indigenous World, a yearly overview produced by IWGIA that serves to document and report on the developments Indigenous Peoples have experienced. The photo above is of an Indigenous activist Funa-ay Claver, a Bontok Igorot, standing alongside Indigenous youth activists and others. They are protesting against the repressive laws and human rights violations suffered through the actions and projects of the Government of the Philippines and other actors against Indigenous Peoples at President Marcos Jr’s national address on 22 July 2024 in Quezon City, Philippines. The photo was taken by Katribu Kalipunan ng Katutubong Mamamayan ng Pilipinas and is the cover of The Indigenous World 2025 where this article is featured. Find The Indigenous World 2025 in full here

Notes and references

^[1] Manal Hreib, PHD. “Nagabiya, NCF’s Bedouin Society Knowledge and Research Hub: STATISTICAL YEARBOOK OF BEDOUIN SOCIETY IN THE NEGEV, 2012 – 2023.” https://nagabiya.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/%D7%A9%D7%A0%D7%AA%D7%95%D7%9F-PDF-107-121.pdf

^[2] NCF. “Neglected voices: Human Rights Violations in the Bedouin Community of the Negev/Naqab, Israel, 2023–2024.” https://www.dukium.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/NCF_Neglected-Voices_-Human-Rights-Violations-in-the-Bedouin-Community-of-the-Negev_Naqab-Israel-2023%E2%80%932024.pdf

^[3] Ibid.

^[4] Ibid.

^[5] NCF. “Submission on the Demolitions and Displacement in Umm al-Hiran and Bedouin Communities in

the Negev/Naqab.” 26 November 2024. https://www.dukium.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/NCF-Umm-al-H%CC%A3i%CC%84ra%CC%84n-UN-Emergency-Report-Nov-2024.pdf

^[6] Yagna, Yanir; Sheva, Walla. “The data is revealed: a 274% increase in the clearance of state lands, and a 42% increase in the demolition of inhabited homes.” Sheva 7, 16 January 2025. https://sheva7.walla.co.il/item/3719566

^[7] Haaretz. “From Its Ruins, a Settlement: The Story of Umm al-Hiran and the Dark Side of Zionism.” 14 November 2024. https://www.haaretz.com/opinion/editorial/2024-11-14/ty-article-opinion/from-its-ruins-a-settlement-the-story-of-umm-al-hiran-and-the-dark-side-of-zionism/00000193-2c49-d506-a5d3-2fdf1e0a0000

^[8] All Israel News. “The Rifman Law: Integrating Bedouin society and transforming the Negev.” 6 August 2024. https://allisrael.com/the-rifman-law-integrating-bedouin-society-and-transforming-the-negev

^[9] NGOs’ petition against the Rifman proposal, 26 November 2024. https://www.dukium.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/%D7%90%D7%A8%D7%92%D7%95%D7%A0%D7%99%D7%9D-%D7%97%D7%91%D7%A8%D7%AA%D7%99%D7%99%D7%9D-%D7%95%D7%96%D7%9B%D7%95%D7%99%D7%95%D7%AA-%D7%90%D7%93%D7%9D-%D7%93%D7%A3-%D7%94%D7%A1%D7%91%D7%A8-%D7%9C%D7%98%D7%99%D7%95%D7%98%D7%AA-%D7%97%D7%95%D7%A7-%D7%A8%D7%99%D7%A4%D7%9E%D7%9F.pdf

^[10] NCF/ Adalah/ Bimkom/ The Regional Council for the Unrecognized Villages in the Negev/ Shatil/ Acri.

^[11] According to the KKL-JNF official website (https://www.kkl-jnf.org/about-kkl-jnf/kkl-jnf-id/goals-actions/): KKL-JNF was founded in 1901 and since then it has served as the operational arm of Zionism. In the name of the Jewish people, KKL-JNF bought 2.6 million dunams of land, prepared land for agriculture, founded settlements and laid the foundations for the establishment of the state of Israel. KKL-JNF works for sustainable development of the country, both ecological and social, and to preserve Israel's environmental resources for the sake of future generations.

^[12] Kremmer, Elianne; Thomas, Carson. “Enforcing the Invisible Barrier: Police violence and detentions during January 2022 protests of KKL-JNF Afforestation Projects.” July 2022. https://www.dukium.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Violence-Report_2022_ENG_01-1.pdf

^[13] NCF. “The Arab-Bedouin Community in the Negev-Naqab – A Short Background.” https://www.dukium.org/the-arab-bedouin-community-in-the-negev-nagab-a-short-background/

^[14] Visit of Saweh by NCF and interview of its residents by Executive Director, Huda Abu Obaid.

^[15] Mandates of the Special Rapporteur on adequate housing as a component of the right to an

adequate standard of living, and on the right to non-discrimination in this context; the Special

Rapporteur in the field of cultural rights; the Special Rapporteur on the human right to a clean,

healthy and sustainable environment; the Special Rapporteur on the right to food; the Special

Rapporteur on the human rights of internally displaced persons; the Special Rapporteur on

minority issues; the Special Rapporteur on contemporary forms of racism, racial discrimination,

xenophobia and related intolerance and the Special Rapporteur on the human rights to safe

drinking water and sanitation. AL ISR 23/2024. 17 December 2024. https://spcommreports.ohchr.org/TMResultsBase/DownLoadPublicCommunicationFile?gId=29575

^[16] NCF. “Additional submission to the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child - Unrecognized: Assessing Bedouin Children's Rights Infringements in Israel's Negev-Naqab.” 2024. https://www.dukium.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Additional-submission-to-the-UN-Committee-on-the-Rights-of-the-Child-August-2024.docx.pdf

^[17] NCF. “Through a Child’s Lens.” https://www.dukium.org/hrd-kids-workshops/

^[18] Kloosterman, Karin. “Weaving Bedouin tradition into their future.” Israel 21c, 25 May 2016. https://www.israel21c.org/weaving-bedouin-tradition-into-their-future/

^[19] Interagency Task Force on Israeli Arab Issues. “Bedouin Society in the Shadow of the War Conference.” 17 July 2024. https://www.iataskforce.org/resource/bedouin-society-in-the-shadow-of-the-war-conference/

^[20] YasserOkbi-yomalbaday. “مركز الأبحاث نقبية يصدر كتاب الإحصاء السنوي للمجتمع العربي البدوي في النقب.” YouTube, 24 December 2024. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SV6TGuIQI80

Tags: Human rights, International Processes , Indigenous Peoples Rights