Ben Gvir Storms Umm al-Fahm and Threatens to Demolish Homes

SadaNews: National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir stormed the Mahajna neighborhood in Umm al-Fahm this morning, Sunday, under heavy security protection, with the occupation police and special units present at various entrances and exits of the city.

The extremist minister threatened the residents of the Mahajna neighborhood with the imposition of sovereignty and the demolition of citizens' homes under the pretext of lack of permits.

The minister is expected to conduct a provocative tour in the neighborhoods of Umm al-Fahm and a police station in the city, as well as a police station in Wadi Ara.

Ben Gvir stated that "after three decades of neglect and lawlessness, they have finally begun to act and enforce the law, in the Negev, Umm al-Fahm, and everywhere. This morning, another tour is taking place for law enforcement, to restore governance in the country and ensure the application of the law everywhere. I commend the work of the forces, and look forward to making every possible effort against construction criminals. This is where governance and sovereignty begin."

The municipality of Umm al-Fahm commented in a statement on Ben Gvir's incursion into the city, stating that "the municipality of Umm al-Fahm strongly condemns the unwelcome incursion and raid carried out this morning, Sunday, 7.9.2025, by National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir into our city, without any prior coordination or notification to the official bodies in the city, topped by the municipality."

It added, "We consider this provocative incursion a desperate attempt to cover up demolition policies and pressure on our people, under the pretext of enforcing demolition orders for unlicensed homes. We affirm that such incursions bear no professional or legal dimension; they are merely grotesque, unwelcome, and performative visits aimed at incitement, threats, and ultimatums, nothing more, as is his usual method."

The municipality confirmed, "We in the municipality of Umm al-Fahm reject that our city becomes a platform for electoral propaganda or media shows for this right-wing extremist minister known for his racist rhetoric against Arabs in general and our people in the interior specifically."

The municipality concluded, "We state clearly: such visits are neither welcomed nor accepted, and there is no place for racism in our city. Umm al-Fahm will remain steadfast against policies of intimidation and will continue to uphold its right to a dignified life, to build its land and homes."

It is noteworthy that the Israeli police violently attacked demonstrators in the city of Umm al-Fahm yesterday, using excessive force and arrested 9 protesters, the last of whom was released this morning."