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It’s in the triangle between the Israeli towns of Be’er Sheva – Dimona and Yerucham to be precise, where there are problems. There are some 2,000 unregulated, unrecognized illegal Bedouin settlements and villages, comprising shacks, animal pens, and scattered houses built wherever their fancy takes them. They run serious health risks and pay no taxes or fees for any utilities that they may use. All that in addition to 17 recognised villages and the town of Rahat. The government’s effort to invest millions of Dollars to develop the area, part of the northern Negev, is being frustrated by Bedouin claims of mostly unsubstantiated land ownership, refusal to be regulated and other arguments. This programme explains in some detail how the government leans over backward to convince those Bedouin to agree to a compromise, which will improve their quality of life.

Also: Some news items that you may not have heard.

And: Appropriate music. All this compiled in a very cold and snow covered Jerusalem.

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Map of unauthorized Bedouin enclaves in the Negev. Credit: Regavim.

The Israeli city of Rahat, majority Bedouin, is modern. Credit: Flash90.

Bedouin encampment in the Negev. Credit: Flash90.

Flying the PLO flag in the Negev. Credit: Flash90.