Israel Medical Association Head Demands Netanyahu Stop Incitement Against Arab Doctors

The head of the Israel Medical Association, Zion Hagay, has sent a strong letter to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Health Minister Uzi Katz, demanding they condemn the ongoing incitement campaign against Arab doctors and healthcare workers in Israel. Hagay stated that the incitement, which has been ongoing for about two years and intensified recently, is not based on any factual evidence. He specifically addressed recent claims made on Channel 14, which he described as a "despicable blood libel," alleging that Arab doctors are poisoning Jewish patients. Hagay asserted that such accusations, which constitute "serious defamation" against a professional sector, are fueled by a "toxic atmosphere" created by those seeking political gain.

The association head called on Netanyahu and Katz to "immediately" condemn these statements and put an end to the "racist and evil campaign." He expressed his expectation that Israeli leaders would highlight the healthcare system as a symbol of tolerance and coexistence. This message comes in the wake of heightened incitement targeting Arab medical staff, particularly following false allegations against Arab workers at Rambam Hospital in Haifa, which the hospital administration investigated and found to be untrue.

In a related development, the "Lawyers Against Racism" coalition urged the Attorney General to launch an urgent criminal investigation into incitement campaigns against Arab healthcare professionals, noting that the health system has become a target since October 2023. The Higher Follow-up Committee also condemned the incitement, which it said was fueled by ministers, describing the accusations as "fabrications and lies." The Galilee Society further denounced the campaign, calling the exploitation of medical situations for nationalistic incitement a "structural crisis" within the health system's management.