Israel – 2019 Election III

Israel – as do her supporters – likes to remind us that it is “the only democracy in the Middle East”.

Virtually the whole spectrum of political parties in Israel have stated or implied that the two Arab parties running for parliament will not be considered by them as coalition partners. About 75 % of Israel’s population are Jews. Most of the rest are Arabs. Thus, in the “only democracy in the Middle East”, more than 20% of the population simply does not count: since they are not willing to leave, they are expected to shut up.

In the 2015 elections, Netanyahu warned his supporters that “Arabs are coming in droves” to vote, implying danger to his rule. In yesterday’s elections, Netanyahu’s party clandestinely and illegally installed cameras and recorders in all voting booths in Arab towns and villages.  

Many left-wing Israelis hope that sensible voting by the Arab population could bring about change. Most Arabs see no reason to support a predominantly right-wing system in which they are second class citizens. Yet, the fact is that most Arabs have a better chance for safe and comfortable lives in Israel than in any of the Arab countries. It could, therefore, also be in their own interest to strengthen the left-wing party of Israel. Sadly, this is not happening. A good start would be much higher voter participation among Israeli Arabs. An interesting alternative, which a small number of Israelis have chosen, is to vote for one of the Arab parties.