Poll Shows Strong Support for Mandatory Civic Service for Arab Youth

A Walla poll found overwhelming public backing for mandatory national service for young Arab citizens. About 83% of respondents supported imposing the obligation, while roughly 10% opposed it and 6% said they were neutral.

The survey was published against the backdrop of a new plan by Yesh Atid, led by Gadi Eisenkot, for the Arab sector. The party presented a broad proposal focused on three main areas, personal security, education, and civic service, saying it aims to curb violence and crime in Arab society, strengthen the rule of law, and expand opportunities for young Arabs in society and the labor market.

According to the plan, a national cabinet to fight crime would be established under the elected prime minister and would coordinate government ministries and law-enforcement bodies. The party also proposes reinforcing the police, the State Attorney’s Office, and the courts with dedicated units to handle organized crime, illegal weapons, and protection-racket activity.

Former Shin Bet chief Yoram Cohen is leading the security and governance portion of the initiative, while Inbar Harush-Giti, who heads the service portfolio, said integrating Arab youth into civic service could help address education, violence, and crime challenges while broadening their opportunities. The party cited rising murder figures in Arab society, saying there were 252 murders in 2025 and that more than 100 people were already killed in the first half of 2026.