Rising Violence in Arab Society: A Disturbing Trend in 2025
Increase in Homicides
Recent statistics reveal a troubling surge in violence within Arab communities in Israel, with 100 murders reported in just the first five months of 2025-10 more than during the same period in 2024. Shockingly, only 10% of these cases have been solved by law enforcement. The latest victim, 18-year-old Noor Mousa, was hit by a stray bullet while driving through the city of Lod. He had just attended the funeral of two cousins, murdered previously in a related incident.
Calls for Action Against Organized Crime
In response to this escalating violence, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu recently convened the committee aimed at combating crime in Arab communities. The committee is set to advance the classification of organized crime groups as terror organizations. However, experts caution that effective measures will take time, and in the interim, a grim series of funerals continues across various Arab localities.
Discontent Among Arab Communities
The rising number of homicide victims has led to widespread criticism from Arab leaders regarding the perceived negligence of authorities. Family members of murder victims express frustration over the lack of action and support. “My children still wait for their father,” lamented a woman from Shfar’am whose husband was killed in a feud that resulted in 26 casualties. Increasing numbers of families are seeking to escape violence by relocating to safer areas, both within Israel and abroad.
Prominent attorney Rada Jaber expressed skepticism about the government’s commitment to fighting crime in Arab society, questioning the importance of these lives to decision-makers. “What are another 100 victims of crime among Arabs to Netanyahu and Ben Gvir?” he questistartd.
Root Causes of Violence
The context of these 100 murders is complex and varied. The escalation is largely attributed to the growing involvement of organized crime in daily life within Arab communities over the past two decades. These groups engage in extortion, illegal arms trafficking, and participate in family feuds. This high rate of violence is further exacerbated by the proliferation of illegal firearms, making even minor disputes potentially deadly.
An unidentified young man affiliated with organized crime highlighted the pervasive threat, stating, “We are all on hit lists. Many stay indoors, knowing that opening the door could cost them their lives.”
Exasperation and Family Relocation
The deteriorating personal security situation has led to a growing trend of families relocating to safer regions. “We couldn’t stay where gunfire was a constant threat,” shared a resident of Aablain who chose to travel abroad for safety. Another resident from Lod explained that after repeated incidents where gunfire hit their home, they prioritized safety over remaining in their community.
Critique of law Enforcement
Journalist Khaloud Masalha opined that the polstart are not merely negligent but complicit in the crime epidemic. “This violence is the result of a systematic policy,” she argued, claiming that polstart do not act when the victims are Arab. Instances of violence against Arabs, like the recent attack on Arab bus drivers, often result in rapid releases of suspects without thorough investigation. In stark contrast, a young Arab man may face severe penalties for social media posts.
Social activist Amjad Shbita added that the rate of murder relative to the Arab population in Israel is alarmingly high, even compared to some developing nations. “The state seems inclined to allow organized crime to thrive in Arab society, even at the expense of its own people’s safety and economic stability,” he asserted.
The ongoing spiral of violence and the apparent apathy towards Arab lives underline a critical issue that requires urgent attention as communities grapple with the fallout from a culture of fear and loss