In a video released on Monday in both Hebrew and English with Arabic subtitles, Prime Minister Netanyahu addressed Israel’s Arab citizens, apologizing again for his Election Day comment in March 2015 that ‘Arabs are voting in droves,’ and encouraging Arab integration into Israeli economy and society.
“Israel is strong because of our diversity and pluralism—not in spite of it,” Netanyahu said.
This video is one in a series Netanyahu is producing in both Hebrew and English, expressing more moderate values and outreach, he said in a meeting of the State Control Committee, to the liberal progressive public. He spoke about the government’s unprecedented economic development plan for the Arab sector and investment in law enforcement service to illustrate commitment to closing gaps between Arab and Jewish citizens of Israel.
“Jews and Arabs should reach out to each other, get to know each other’s families. Listen to each other. Jews and Arabs should treat one another with the same dignity and respect you’d want for your own family. Our land is too small, it’s too precious to fill it with discord and hate.”
Arab leadership at large as well as NGOs expressed skepticism about Netanyahu’s video.
The following day, MK Ayman Odeh, Chair of the Joint List, issued a video in response in which he also expressed pride in Arab society and encouraged Arab integration in Israeli society— but pointed out that this is despite the discrimination they face daily. MK Odeh went on to name policies that, under PM Netanyahu, are seen as exclusionary and discriminatory by Israel’s Arab society.
In closing, Odeh said, “Mr. Prime Minister, we are sons of this land. In essence, we want to live in a democratic and equal state that recognizes national rights for its citizens. A state in which we will be equal citizens and live in respect and true partnership with Jewish citizens. I will conclude with your words, but with honest and true intentions. Let us work together, Arabs and Jews alike, to move forward in our noble quest towards equality and dignity for all.”
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