"The investigation may cause officials to hesitate to expand Arab cities"
Following the Kol HaYehudi investigation that exposed the Khamaisi plan to alter the demographic map of the Galilee, Professor Rassem Khamaisi responded in an interview with Radio Al-Shams, stating that the Arab community must act politically to work for a fair distribution of land.
Last weekend, we published the 'Khamaisi Plan' investigation, which reveals how the Israeli planning and construction establishment has become a powerful tool in the hands of Arab nationalist elements, and how one man, Professor Rassem Khamaisi, manages to direct processes that are changing the demographic and strategic map of Israel.
The investigation exposed Khamaisi not merely as a city planner, but as an architect of a religious and nationalist struggle that exploits state institutions to alter the face of the Galilee in a way that, according to the report, could constitute an existential threat. Following the publication, Khamaisi was interviewed on Radio Al-Shams and responded to the findings. According to reports online, he denied the existence of a secret agenda to 'take over' the Galilee, claiming that all planning carried out is merely a natural expansion of existing settlements and is intended to 'ensure the rights of residents who need housing solutions.'
Khamaisi explained that his work as an academic and city planner focuses on developing Arab cities and expanding their spheres of influence to meet the needs of their residents, emphasizing that this falls under the principle of fair distribution of resources and public spaces.
"This is a project of values and ethics," he said, emphasizing that the Arab community needs planning that provides housing and infrastructure, rather than keeping Arab cities limited to borders that do not meet their needs.
According to him, government committees and official reports have previously recognized the existence of 'planning discrimination' against Arabs in Israel, and addressing this imbalance should not be presented as a threat to the Jewish population. Khamaisi claimed that the purpose of the investigation is to create a 'phobia of Arabs' as part of an ongoing campaign against Arab society.
He also warned that such incitement campaigns might cause some officials to hesitate in making decisions regarding the expansion of Arab cities, but emphasized the need to continue working to approve new plans and expand areas of influence.
