Arab service plan could reshape the anti-Netanyahu bloc

A new debate over burden-sharing in Israel has moved beyond the Jewish public and into the Arab sector, with a plan promoted by Gadi Eisenkot and statements from Mansour Abbas raising the possibility of Arab participation in a future governing coalition. The article says that, if implemented, this could give the anti-Netanyahu bloc a path to power, but the road is full of political and social obstacles, especially within the Arab community and in Ra'am.

Eisenkot’s party, Yeshar!, presented a broad plan this week for Arab society focused on fighting crime and violence and expanding national civil service for Arab young men and women. The plan calls for a national anti-crime cabinet headed by the elected prime minister, coordinated action by government ministries and law enforcement, and major strengthening of the police, prosecution, and courts to tackle organized crime and protection rackets. Party officials said the initiative would not be imposed on the Arab public, but developed together with its leadership, with the goal of advancing it before the election.

Abbas, who heads Ra’am, echoed similar language at the MUNI EXPO local government conference in Tel Aviv. He said, “In the next government we will formulate a burden-sharing plan that will meet the needs of Arab society and integrate Arab young women and men into volunteering and contribution to Israeli society, without populist headlines and through dialogue with the leadership of the Arab public and the leadership of the government.” Ra’am figures said the remarks were coordinated with the movement’s leadership.

The article notes deep disagreement in Arab politics over national service, with many viewing it as tied to security institutions and therefore controversial. Abbas is seeking a serious plan that would win over representative bodies, from the Arab local-authority committee to the Higher Follow-Up Committee, but Ra’am fears that Jamal Zahalka, the committee’s current head and a former Balad leader, could block the move. Supporters say service should be redirected to civilian institutions lacking in Arab towns, such as hospitals, post offices, and health funds. Even so, most Arab parties are expected to oppose it, and the article argues that simply opening the discussion could still change the next election.