Jerusalem, 25 June, 2026 (TPS-IL) — The Ministry of National Security provided an update in the fight against illegal construction in the Negev, reporting that data from the first half of 2026 shows 2,284 illegally built residential structures there were demolished, compared to 2,262 illegal structures last year. In general, Bedouins, who are nomadic, are responsible for most of such illegal activities.
Also, a new record was set in the area of preserving agricultural lands and open spaces: during the last half-year (January through the end of May 2026), illegal agricultural cultivation was demolished across an enormous scope of 2, 300 acres, more than in all of 2025.
At the same time, in order to prevent repeated encroachments, ground preparation work has begun in anticipation of extensive tree planting to preserve the land across an area of approximately 2,500 acres in the Nahal Diya area.