Israel's Bedouins caught in the crossfire

On October 7, 2023, Qaid Farhan al-Qadi, a 52-year-old Israeli Bedouin janitor, was abducted from Magen kibbutz near the Gaza Strip. After 326 days in captivity, he was released following a complex military operation, which was celebrated across Israel, including by President Isaac Herzog. Despite this moment of joy, al-Qadi returned to Khirbet Karkur, a village facing a government order to demolish 70% of its homes, highlighting the ongoing struggles of the Bedouin community. Historically, Bedouins have inhabited the Negev desert for centuries, leading a semi-nomadic lifestyle. The establishment of Beersheba by the Ottoman Empire in 1899 marked the beginning of their sedentarization. Following the 1948 establishment of Israel, many Bedouins were displaced, with around 80% fleeing to Gaza. Those who remained, approximately 20,000, acquired Israeli nationality but faced military administration for two decades. Despite these challenges, Bedouins were allowed to join the Israeli army voluntarily, which provided them with certain privileges in a predominantly militarized society. Their unique knowledge of the desert terrain often led to roles in scouting and promotions within the military. However, they were pressured to settle in designated towns, with Rahat being the largest, housing around 70,000 residents. The situation of Israel's Bedouins remains precarious, as they navigate a complex identity shaped by their historical roots, military service, and ongoing discrimination. Al-Qadi's release serves as a reminder of their contributions to Israeli society, yet it underscores the broader issues of displacement and marginalization faced by this community.