Arab citizens of Israel's political significance

Arab citizens of Israel, who are descendants of Palestinians, number over two million in the country, with 1.2 million eligible to vote. They make up more than 20 percent of the population, and their participation in elections could significantly influence legislative outcomes.

Demographics and self-identification

Among the 7.3 million Israeli citizens eligible to vote, 20 to 21 percent are of Palestinian origin. Officially referred to as "Arabs of Israel," many, like activist Ines Osrof, reject this label and prefer to identify as Palestinian, emphasizing their heritage and connection to the land.

Inequalities in Jaffa

The newspaper 20 Minutes reported on daily inequalities faced by Arab citizens in Jaffa, a historically Palestinian neighborhood now part of Tel Aviv. Despite its rich history and cultural architecture, residents experience disparities in economic opportunities, security, and civil rights, which have worsened since October 7th.

Rising tensions and restrictions

Nawras Kawsme, a 27-year-old Arab activist, describes the past four years as particularly difficult, marked by increased racism and restrictions on free expression. Ines Osrof adds that Arab citizens are unable to openly show solidarity with their families in Gaza and the West Bank, fearing repercussions.

Controversial leadership and lack of justice

The police force is led by the controversial minister of internal security, Ben Gvir, who heads an ultra-nationalist party. He has faced numerous legal charges, including incitement to violence and hate speech. Despite this, no arrests have been made for the 12 Palestinians killed this year, and racist speech on social media remains unaddressed.

Coexistence and political mobilization

In Jaffa, where mosques, churches, and synagogues coexist, Ines Osrof notes that Palestinian Muslims, Christians, and Jews have long lived together. Some Jewish residents are now supporting the Unified List, one of the two Arab parties in the elections, in an effort to promote equality and representation.

Underrepresentation in parliament

Dana Salmon, an artist from Tel Aviv, highlights the disparity between the Arab population's size and their representation in the Knesset, where they hold only 10 percent of seats despite being one in five Israelis. Yoav, an activist, points out that while Arabs have the same rights on paper, in practice, they face discrimination and fewer opportunities than Jewish citizens.

Potential for political influence

The two Arab parties could gain enough political weight this year to become essential in forming government coalitions, potentially influencing national policies. However, Ines Osrof feels the pressure on the Palestinian community is increasing, with no clear path forward.

Hope and determination

Despite the challenges, Ines Osrof sees these elections as a critical opportunity to bring change. She has no intention of leaving Israel, considering it her home. For her, the situation is already dire, and no election outcome will change her resolve to remain and fight for her community's rights.