Iksal Council Head Urges Higher Arab Voter Turnout in Knesset Elections
Translated & summarized from Alarab by baba
Iksal Local Council Head Abdelsalam Darawshe urged higher Arab voter turnout in the upcoming Knesset elections, stating that each Arab MK elected increases community influence. He detailed municipal achievements including street paving, industrial zone expansion, and progress on a bypass road, while also addressing opposition to a concrete factory and plans to remove a sewage pool. Darawshe highlighted improved "Arnona" collection and budget balancing, but criticized war-related delays in government funding. He called for unity and participation, emphasizing the impact of Arab representation in the Knesset.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Iksal Council Head Abdelsalam Darawshe urged higher Arab voter turnout in Knesset elections to increase community influence.
- The council completed street paving, expanded the industrial zone, and is building a bypass road connecting Iksal and Dabburiya.
- Darawshe reiterated opposition to a concrete factory and confirmed plans to remove a sewage pool by 2027.
- "Arnona" collection reached 83% in 2025, helping balance the council's budget and avoid a supervising accountant.
- Darawshe criticized war-related delays in government budget transfers to local authorities.
Abdelsalam Darawshe, the head of the Iksal Local Council, has called for increased participation from the Arab public in the upcoming Knesset elections, emphasizing that each Arab Member of Knesset elected strengthens the community's influence. Speaking on the program "All Arabs and Local Authorities," Darawshe highlighted the structural and economic challenges facing Iksal under his leadership, while also detailing municipal work and urging a serious effort to boost voter turnout.
Darawshe announced the completion of the first phase of Iksal's street paving project, funded by the Ministry of Interior. The council is also preparing to pave streets in older and newer neighborhoods before winter. Additionally, the council secured a 4.4 million shekel budget from the Ministry of Transportation for speed bumps, signage, and naming main streets. He noted that the council's general budget is approximately 120 million shekels, which he believes is insufficient compared to neighboring Jewish towns.
Regarding local planning and economy, Darawshe confirmed that the "Arnona" industrial zone is now exclusively for Iksal after its separation from the "Emek Yizre'el" Regional Council. The zone has been expanded by 40 dunams, with all plots marketed to young couples. He reiterated the council's strong opposition to the construction of a concrete factory by "Shefer" due to environmental and health concerns, stating that the council is engaged in a legal battle against it.
Progress is being made on a vital bypass road connecting Iksal and Dabburiya, with final planning stages nearing completion and an estimated budget of 37 million shekels. Actual construction is expected to begin between January and April of next year. Concerning the sewage pool issue at the village entrance, Darawshe confirmed a final decision to remove it by 2027, redirecting wastewater to the nearby "Dafra" pool. Partial emptying and cleaning have already begun to mitigate environmental hazards.
Financially, Darawshe reported a significant increase in "Arnona" collection in 2025, reaching 83% of the target. This has helped balance the council's budget, overcome a slight deficit of approximately 400,000 shekels, and avoid the appointment of a "supervising accountant." He criticized the ongoing war's impact on local authorities and delays in budget transfers.
Politically, Darawshe stressed the importance of the Knesset elections, stating that major decisions and budgets are determined in Jerusalem. He criticized the prevailing frustration within the Arab community and called for broad participation in voting, aiming to surpass 70% turnout in Iksal. "Every Arab Knesset member elected is at the expense of the Israeli right, and our influence will increase. What will we lose if we go out to vote?" he asked. Darawshe deferred questions about his potential candidacy for another term as local council head.
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