Since the inauguration of Israel’s thirty-seventh government on December 29, 2022, Israeli society has been in turmoil. Protests that began in early January against various aspects of the new governments’ agenda grew and intensified as they coalesced around proposed judicial reforms and their implications for Israeli democracy. This paper aims to outline the major areas of concern regarding the new government with respect to Arab society, state-minority, and Jewish-Arab relations. It then points to emerging lines of thought about responses in the field.

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Learn how shared Jewish-Arab Ramadan Activities are continuing in 2023.

Photo: Jewish and Arab Alumni of Appleseeds Academy at Iftar in Ramle. Photo courtesy of Orit Bash, Director of Partnerships at Appleseeds.

Following the inauguration of Israel's new government, IATF hosted several opportunities for different American Jewish constituents to discuss the potential impact on Arab citizens with experts in the field. These included a call on judicial reforms and related protests, as well as a series of ‘Brown Bag’ discussions.

Photo: February 27 Zoom call featuring (L-R, T-B) Roy Peled, Nidal Hayek and Nava Ben-Or. 

Ofer Dagan (Sikkuy-Aufoq) and Ilan Amit (IATF) discussed how new government actions are expected to affect Arab society. Their presentation included a review of consequential coalition agreements.

Photo Credit: Knesset Press Office

This update aims to shed light on how recent events affect Arab society and Jewish-Arab relations in Israel. Looking at the dissolving government coalition, and as a result, the upcoming elections, this update explores the civil and national interests influencing Arab society’s future participation in Israel’s political life.

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