Arab Party Leaders Criticized by Kafr Qara Mayor

Firas Badhi, the mayor of Kafr Qara, has sharply criticized the performance of Arab parties and leaders within Israel, stating that their recent political actions have not adequately addressed the significant challenges facing Arab citizens. In an interview with i24NEWS, Badhi described the Arab street as "exhausted and tired" due to a series of ongoing crises, including rising crime and violence, home demolitions, budget shortages, and what he termed "racist laws."

He further noted that political infighting and fragmentation, particularly during the recent candidate list submissions, have exacerbated this exhaustion. Badhi expressed regret over the inability of traditional politics to integrate young talent and new movements, citing the example of the "For All of Us" party, composed of young Arab and Jewish individuals. He stated that this party did not receive sufficient political support to enter the electoral race, contributing to voter frustration and apathy.

Badhi urged party and national leaders to cease their mutual political disputes and conduct the election process in a civilized and respectful manner to restore public confidence. Despite his bleak assessment of the political and social landscape, he rejected despair, asserting that "despair is not an action plan to confront challenges."

He called on the Arab public to vote in large numbers, emphasizing that active participation and voting are the only available tools to change the current reality and remove the government, which he believes has not served the Arab community fairly.