Arab Monitoring Committee Head Warns of Political Retaliation Over 'Dignity Uprising' Files
Translated & summarized from Al-Shams by baba
Jamal Zahalka, head of the Higher Monitoring Committee for Arab Citizens' Affairs, warned that reopening investigations into the "Dignity Uprising" could become a political revenge campaign against the Arab community. He criticized the Shin Bet chief's alleged right-wing extremism and linked the renewed probes to election-driven anti-Arab incitement by Netanyahu's camp. Zahalka stressed the need for Arab national unity to counter discrimination and affirmed the committee's commitment to its role despite pressures.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Jamal Zahalka warned reopening "Dignity Uprising" files could lead to political revenge against Arab citizens.
- He accused the Shin Bet chief of right-wing extremism and serving Prime Minister Netanyahu.
- Zahalka linked renewed investigations to election-driven anti-Arab incitement by Netanyahu's camp.
- He called for Arab national unity to counter discrimination and political targeting.
- The Higher Monitoring Committee will continue its national role despite incitement and pressure.
Dr. Jamal Zahalka, head of the Higher Monitoring Committee for Arab Citizens' Affairs, expressed concern that reopening investigations into the "Dignity Uprising" events, which occurred over five years ago, could devolve into political retribution against the Arab community. He stated that hundreds of Arab youths were arrested and tried following the events, with some serving prison sentences, which he described as unjust. Zahalka warned that reviewing protest footage and expanding the suspect pool could lead to a politically motivated revenge campaign.
Zahalka accused the head of the Shin Bet of adopting extremist right-wing views and suggested his appointment was tied to serving Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. He criticized the approach towards Arab citizens, viewing them as a threat and even as enemies, warning of the negative impact on their rights and status. He called for distinguishing between legitimate legal investigations and the alleged inflation of charges for political purposes.
Furthermore, Zahalka linked the renewed investigations to escalating anti-Arab rhetoric ahead of Israeli elections, characterizing it as a strategy employed by Netanyahu's camp. He cited media outlets like Channel 14 and Radio Galey Israel for repeatedly inciting against Arab citizens, with Netanyahu leading this electoral battle. He believes this targeting of the Arab community serves electoral goals, as the right wing anticipates that inciting against Arabs will boost their votes.
Regarding challenges facing the Arab community, Zahalka emphasized the importance of national unity within the Higher Monitoring Committee as a cornerstone against discrimination. He noted that Arab citizens face common challenges regardless of political, religious, or economic differences, and any shifts in alliances must prioritize the public interest without undermining national unity. He affirmed the committee's commitment to its positions and to continued joint national action despite incitement and pressure.
Zahalka clarified that the committee does not directly intervene in parliamentary elections, as per a long-standing decision. Its role is to unite various Arab community segments, including participating and non-participating parties, local authorities, and the National Committee, under a common national umbrella. He stressed the necessity of coordination among these components to strengthen the Arab community's ability to confront political and social challenges, reiterating the committee's dedication to its national role amidst rising incitement and pressures.