Joint Bedouin-Jewish industrial zone gets rare support from Mossad chief

An initiative to establish a joint industrial zone for the Bedouin community of Bir Hadaj and the neighboring Ramat HaNegev Regional Council has received an unusual endorsement from the director of Israel's foreign intelligence agency, the Mossad.

Mossad Director Roman Gofman voiced support for the project based on his familiarity with the area from his military service.

The proposed industrial zone would cover approximately 200 dunams (approx. 50 acres). The project has been stalled for several years due to a lack of support from the Neve Midbar Regional Council, which includes Bir Hadaj. Seeking to revive the plan, Neve Midbar Regional Council head Salameh Abu Addisan approached the Ramat HaNegev Regional Council about jointly establishing the industrial zone.

The proposal faced opposition within Ramat HaNegev, with several council members expressing concerns about cooperation with Bir Hadaj amid the crime and weapons and drug smuggling in the area.

During a council plenum meeting, Ramat HaNegev Council head Eran Doron presented a letter of support for the project from Gofman, who said he became familiar with the area during his military service as commander of the National Ground Training Center at nearby Tze’elim.

“The project that was brought to my attention is, in my opinion, a correct, courageous move and of strategic value of the highest order,” Gofman wrote in the letter. “I had the opportunity to get to know the unique human and social fabric of the Negev region up close.”

The Mossad chief argued that promoting economic development and employment opportunities in the region could strengthen the state's governance, lessen social tensions, and reduce the influence of criminal elements. 

At the same time, Gofman said that the program should be promoted gradually and responsibly, while integrating security supervision and enforcement mechanisms. 

“Like any groundbreaking project, this project is not without risks and challenges,” Gofman wrote. “Therefore, it is right to advance in a responsible, gradual and sober manner, while establishing appropriate control, enforcement and monitoring mechanisms.” 

“From what I know, the population in the area is largely a law-abiding population, seeking a respectable and open-minded livelihood for its children,” Gofman continued. “Over decades, many of its sons have carried the burden and served in the IDF, thereby expressing a real commitment to society and the state. Any decent employment opportunity will expand the circle of partners and, accordingly, reduce the room for maneuver of the criminal elements.” 

During the discussions, several other council members voiced opposition to the project. Forum member Avi Frieza said the cooperation could send the wrong message given the crime and smuggling reported in the region.

Doron argued that a distinction should be made between those involved in criminal activity and the majority of the population, saying that improving opportunities for law-abiding residents would provide both civil and security benefits.

Itzik Tzur, CEO of the Ramat HaNegev Economic Development Company, addressed other concerns.

“It is impossible to hide that there are lawbreakers in Bir Hadaj, smuggling weapons and drugs,” Tzur said. “As a resident of Retmim, I have experienced this for almost 20 years.” 

“But we need to remember that there are about 10,000 residents there, most of whom are not lawbreakers, and this project is for them,” he added. 

Those who support the initiative noted that the similar "Idan HaNegev" industrial zone – which is shared by the communities of Rahat, Lehavim, and Bnei Shimon – could serve as a possible model. The site has faced several challenges over the years, however, it is largely viewed as a success. 

The plan was ultimately approved by the council, with nine members voting for and three against. 

Neve Midbar Council head, Salameh Abu Adeisen, welcomed the decision. 

“Mossad chief Gofman served in the area, knows the population and the people of Bir Hadaj,” Adeisen said. “When there is economic security, there is also more security at home. People who risk their lives smuggling do so because they have no choice. As soon as there is employment, I think we can change the face of an entire society, of an entire settlement.”