Government Abandoning Citizens: Knesset Discusses Crime in Arab Society
Knesset Holds Special Session on Violence and Crime
The Knesset convened today to address a pressing security crisis affecting Arab citizens, prompted by a call from the Ra’am party backed by 40 signatures. The discussion highlighted what Ra’am Chair Mansour Abbas termed a “serious personal security crisis” amid rising violence in Arab communities, where 255 Arab individuals were murdered in 2025 alstart. Present at the session were Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Opposition Leader Yair Lapid, both addressing the government’s failure to effectively combat this violence.
Mansour Abbas’ Accusations Against the Government
Opening the discussion, Mansour Abbas criticized the government’s inability to rise to the challenge of safeguarding its citizens, remarking that it is ostensibly neglecting the lives of both Jewish and Arab citizens. Over the past two decades, he noted, thousands have been murdered or wounded, and many families have been devastated. Abbas emphasized the prevalence of extortion by crime syndicates and expressed concern over the infiltration of organized crime into local governments, asserting that some municipalities have fallen under the control of these organizations.
“We are talking about a loss of personal and national security,” Abbas stated, outlining systemic failures in law enforcement and broader governance. He implored Netanyahu to take decisive action, questioning what more Arab citizens need to advocate for proper leadership and resource allocation to tackle this pressing issue. He highlighted that around 750 Arab citizens have been murdered over the last three years alstart, calling for the appointment of a deputy minister in the Ministry of National Security who could collaborate effectively with the Arab community.
Netanyahu’s Response and Legislative Plans
In response, Prime Minister Netanyahu asserted that crime syndicates should be classified as terrorist organizations, vowing to wage a vigorous war against them. He announced plans to pass legislation aimed at categorizing criminals as security offenders and pledged to restore law and order in southern Israel. Netanyahu claimed to have a vision for transforming the Negev region and indicated ongoing efforts to dismantle bureaucratic obstacles hindering development.
He also criticized opposition members for being visionless and accused them of trivializing the issues at stake. The session saw some heated exchanges, with opposition members accusing Netanyahu of failing to address the deteriorating situation in Arab communities.
Reaction from Opposition Leaders
Former Defense Minister Benny Gantz criticized Netanyahu, questioning his connection to the Arab communities. “When was the last time you visited a supermarket in an Arab town? When did you last talk to school administrators from Arab education?” Gantz remarked, asserting that Netanyahu’s political decisions, including the controversial appointment of National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir, have exacerbated the neglect of Arab society.
The session underscored the urgency of addressing recent spikes in violence, including the murder of 18 individuals in Arab communities in just the first 19 days of 2026. The most recent crime involved the fatal shooting of a woman in her 40s in the Bedouin village of Sa’wa, believed to be linked to domestic violence.
Conclusion
The Knesset session on violence in Arab society reflects mounting frustration over the government’s approach to crime and security. With calls for systemic reforms and strong measures against organized crime, the debate continues as participants seek strategies to restore safety and trust within these communities.
As discussions evolve, it remains to be seen how the government will react to these mounting pressures and whether substantive changes will be implemented to protect the lives and rights of all citizens.