Israel cannot promote democracy while sidelining Arab voters - opinion
Israel’s Arab misrepresentation by government officials and the disparaging rhetoric they face stain Israeli democracy and allow Israel’s adversaries to portray the country as their caricature.
On the surface, Israel boasts of being the sole democracy in the Middle East. However, this claim is undermined by the sidelining of its Arab voters. While regular elections in Israel contrast sharply with the absence of Palestinian elections since 2006, the absence of Arab elections since 2005 highlights the need for Palestinian institutional reforms.
Despite comprising 21% of Israel's population, Arab citizens are often marginalized in Israeli politics. Many of the country's main political parties do not actively court the Arab vote, which alienates them. Some parties have even demonized Arab voters to garner political support.
In the aftermath of the October 7 attacks, a majority of Jewish Israelis opposes any Arab party participating in the next government or having its support. This fear, exacerbated by politicians who use Arab Knesset members as props to acclaim Israeli democracy, undermines Israeli democracy and the value of Arab votes. It also sets the stage for a tied election and further political instability.
Israel's Arab community is not a subversive minority within the state. They have not acted out like thugs, rioters, ideologues, or antisemites since October 7. Their misrepresentation as such by those in government or aspiring to government, along with the deprecating rhetoric they face, is a stain on Israeli democracy. This rhetoric, especially as we approach the final days of campaigning and polling day, will infuse additional damage into Israeli society and Israel's already tarnished international reputation.
Written by urgent.news from Jerusalem Post's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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