Settlement Expansion Isolates One-Third of Halhul’s Land, Threatening Its Agricultural Future

 الأراضي المقدسة الخضراء / GHLands

The town of Halhul, north of Hebron, is facing mounting threats to its agricultural sector as Israeli settlement outposts continue to expand across its highlands, particularly in the Jabal Al-Jumjuma area, one of the highest peaks in Palestine. According to local farmers, the expansion has isolated more than 14,000 dunums of agricultural land—approximately one-third of the town’s total area—and has affected between 60% and 70% of Halhul’s agricultural production.

Palestinian farmer Raed Al-Barbarawi said efforts to take control of Jabal Al-Jumjuma began in 2020, when settler organizations called on the Israeli government to establish a settlement they named "Ma'ale Halhul." He explained that the site has since developed into a network of around seven settlement outposts surrounding the town’s highlands, effectively cutting off thousands of farmers from their land.

Access to Farmland Between Risk and Restrictive Coordination

Al-Barbarawi said farmers now have only two options to reach their vineyards. The first is to enter the area under the cover of darkness to avoid military patrols, a risky approach that often exposes them to attacks by Israeli settlers or occupation forces.

The second option requires prior coordination with Israeli authorities through a permit system that farmers describe as highly restrictive. According to Al-Barbarawi, permits are issued to only about 30 farmers per week, despite the fact that thousands of landowners are affected.

He added that the permits are typically valid for only a few hours, making them of little practical value, especially since farmers are forced to walk several kilometers because vehicles are prohibited from entering the area.

Ongoing Restrictions Deepen Agricultural Losses

According to field testimonies, Israeli authorities frequently obstruct the coordination process at agricultural gates by canceling or postponing scheduled access or allowing only a portion of the approved farmers to enter. These restrictions coincide with ongoing settlement construction, road-building, and land-clearing operations carried out in the surrounding valleys and hills.

Local farmers say these measures have significantly reduced agricultural activity and caused growing economic losses. Despite the challenges, they remain committed to cultivating their land and passing agricultural knowledge on to younger generations, viewing this as an essential part of preserving both their land and their national identity in the face of continued settlement expansion.