Arab Leadership Reaffirms Opposition to Civil Service for Arab Youth and Land Policies in Negev

The High Follow-Up Committee for Arab Citizens of Israel has reiterated its longstanding opposition to the civil service program for Arab youth. This stance was confirmed during a committee meeting held on Thursday in Baqa al-Gharbiyye. Committee chairman Jamal Zahalka emphasized that this is a continuation of a historical position rather than a new decision.

Zahalka also addressed the situation in the Negev, criticizing government authorities for advancing unilateral solutions that harm the rights of Arab residents. He proposed negotiations between the state and Arab community representatives, including recognition of residents' land ownership, as a way to resolve disputes. However, he warned that if the government insists on imposing one-sided arrangements that deny land ownership, the committee will oppose such measures and not surrender.

In its concluding statement, the committee called on the Arab public to participate in protests against crime, violence, and police involvement. It reiterated its opposition to the civil service, which it views as an attempt to erase Arab identity and integrate Arabs into an Israeli assimilation plan. The committee also strongly condemned plans for land confiscation, home demolitions, and forced displacement in the Negev, specifically opposing Minister Amichai Shikli's proposal, urging the Arab community there not to cooperate.

Additionally, the committee denounced a legislative proposal aiming to restrict the use of loudspeakers for mosque prayer calls.