"A move with strategic value": The support of the Mossad chief for the project for the Bedouin community
Mossad chief Roman Gofman supported a project to establish a joint industrial zone for the Bedouin community of Bir Hadaj and its Jewish neighbors in Ramat Negev. Gofman, who knew the area from his military service, wrote an opinion calling the project "brave" and "of strategic value" that could reduce crime. The proposal passed with a majority of nine to three opponents in the Ramat Negev council.
Mossad chief Roman Gofman supported a project to establish a joint industrial zone for the Bedouin community of Bir Hadaj and the Ramat Negev local council. Gofman, who knew the area from his military service as commander of the Malchi unit in Tze'elim, wrote an opinion calling the project "a correct, brave move of the highest strategic value." According to him, civilian-economic development could reduce social polarization and curb crime. The proposal was raised at a Ramat Negev council meeting and faced opposition, including from a representative of the community of Merhav Am who said that the population in Bir Hadaj does not obey the law. Council head Eran Doron presented Gofman's opinion to soften the opposition. Ultimately, the decision to proceed with the joint move passed with a majority of nine to three opponents. The head of the Neve Midbar council, Salama Abu Adisan, said that economic security will bring security at home and allow changing the face of society.