Arab Political Power Increased in Israeli Elections, But Change Not Guaranteed
Translated & summarized from Al-Shams by baba
Hassan Jabareen, director of the 'Adalah' Legal Center, stated that Israeli election results increased Arab parties' political power and prevented the previous government's return, but warned this doesn't guarantee policy changes. He noted Arab votes have so far blocked Benjamin Netanyahu from forming a government. Jabareen highlighted home demolitions and violence as key concerns, and warned of potential increased incitement against Arab citizens despite their growing political influence.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Hassan Jabareen said Israeli election results boosted Arab parties' political power but don't guarantee policy changes.
- Arab votes have so far prevented Benjamin Netanyahu from forming a government, according to Jabareen.
- Jabareen warned that new elections could lower turnout among Netanyahu's opponents.
- Halting home demolitions and addressing violence were key reasons for seeking government change.
- Jabareen cautioned that increased Arab political influence may face incitement and attempts to curb participation.
- He described discussions about disqualifying Arab candidates as reflecting deep racism in Israel.
Hassan Jabareen, director of the Legal Center for Arab Citizens 'Adalah', stated that the recent Israeli election results successfully boosted the political strength of Arab parties and prevented the previous government from returning in its prior form. However, he cautioned that this achievement does not automatically guarantee a shift in policies affecting the Arab community. Jabareen emphasized in an interview with Radio al-Shams that the crucial question post-election is not merely the number of Arab seats, but the capacity of this representation to effect real change in citizens' lives and defend their rights.
Jabareen noted that the vote results granted Arab parties significant political power, making the return of the previous government unlikely according to his assessment. He expressed disappointment, however, that the goal of removing Benjamin Netanyahu and the Likud party from the political scene was not achieved. He warned that new elections could benefit Netanyahu if voter turnout among his opponents, both within the Arab community and among Jewish anti-government voters, declines due to frustration over the lack of desired change.
Jabareen highlighted that halting home demolitions was a primary motivation for seeking a government change, alongside addressing violence and crime within the Arab community. He pointed out that the issue of unrecognized villages and home demolitions is a major concern for 'Adalah', citing the case of Umm al-Hiran as an example where demolition orders persisted for over 15 years before displacement occurred despite legal efforts.
He also discussed the implications of increased Arab voter turnout, considering the Arab community a now influential player in Israeli politics. Jabareen stated that Arab votes have so far prevented Netanyahu from forming a government, noting that this heightened representation has sparked concerns among some segments of the Jewish population. He warned that increased Arab influence might lead to more incitement or attempts to undermine Arab political participation and Knesset representation, but also acknowledged that this presence is prompting internal discussions within the Jewish community about the status and political role of Arab citizens.
Jabareen viewed discussions about disqualifying Arab candidates as reflecting deep-seated racism in Israel, referencing the controversy surrounding Sami Abu Shehadeh. He stressed that the upcoming period will present challenges for the Arab community regarding citizenship and political rights, in addition to issues of home demolition, displacement, and the prosecution of Arab citizens, reiterating that a higher number of seats alone is insufficient without translating into the protection of rights and tangible change.
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