MK Gilad Kariv Welcomes Arab Parties' Political Unity and Urges Higher Voter Turnout
MK Gilad Kariv praised the renewed political alliance between Hadash, Ta'al, and Balad, highlighting the importance of learning from past electoral failures. He recalled that in the previous elections, around 250,000 votes were lost due to low turnout, particularly within the Arab community, and called for increased voter participation ahead of the 2026 elections.
Kariv also criticized the slow progress in implementing promised protective measures for educational institutions in northern Israel. He noted that despite commitments made in 2025 to issue two calls for proposals to enhance bomb sheltering in kindergartens and daycare centers, no substantial action has been taken. He emphasized that securing these facilities not only protects children but also raises the overall safety level for surrounding residents.
Discussing the financial challenges, Kariv explained that fully fortifying older schools in the north could cost over a billion shekels. The government has started a "Northern Shield" budget focused on communities near the border, but cities like Karmiel and the Krayot also require funding. He stressed that even in central Israel, fortified kindergartens served as safe spaces during recent conflicts.
Kariv announced that the Knesset's State Control Committee will conduct a field visit in September to oversee the protection of educational institutions in the north. He urged the Education and Defense Ministers to provide clear commitments to local leaders on when fortification efforts will be completed. He also pledged to push for the release of at least 100 million shekels allocated for this purpose, noting that two years have been lost without progress.
Concluding, Kariv called on all citizens, especially Arab voters, to participate in the upcoming elections. He highlighted the availability of multiple political options representing Arab interests, including the Joint List, Ra'am, and the Democrats party, advocating for broader political engagement rather than division.
