Benjamin Netanyahu, the Prime Minister of Israel, warned of a significant increase in Arab voting ahead of the recent elections in the country. This statement comes as Arab leaders labeled Netanyahu's actions and those of his allies as racist and provocative.
Response to Arab Voting
Eyewitnesses reported that vehicles displaying the flag of the Likud party, led by Netanyahu, were broadcasting the call to prayer and urging supporters to vote in the streets of Jerusalem. Netanyahu referenced the long lines at polling stations in Arab communities in several posts and shared an image of Arabs, including women in hijabs, waiting to cast their votes.
In one of his posts, he emphasized: "If we do not wake up now, we will face a government led by Mansour Abbas and Ahmad Tibi." These two Arab politicians are recognized as prominent figures in Israel.
Impact of Arab Participation in Elections
According to the Election Committee, the turnout in the early hours of voting reached 55.7 percent, which is considered the fastest recorded rate. Arabs, who are mostly of Palestinian descent, make up about 21 percent of Israel's 10 million population and traditionally vote at lower rates compared to Israeli Jews.
Ahmad Tibi, one of the candidates from the Arab party, stated that the increased participation of Arabs in this election could "pave the way for an alternative government and change bitter realities." Sami Abu Shehada, the leader of the Balad Arab party, also wrote in a message on social media platform X that the long lines at polling stations should "be a source of pride and joy for anyone who believes in democracy."
Netanyahu has repeatedly described Arab voting as a threat to his government, and these concerns have been raised in previous elections as well.
This election is the first after the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023, and the subsequent wars in Gaza, Lebanon, and Iran. Netanyahu's right-wing government has coincided with an increase in violent crime in Arab communities in Israel, including organized crime-related murders.
Polls indicate that Netanyahu's coalition is losing its parliamentary majority, although opposition parties may also face challenges in securing the 61 seats needed to form a majority government.
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