From The Straits Times · · 1m
Israel’s Arab minority votes for change
Arab Israelis see election as existential threat to their future.
In brief
Arab Israelis see election as existential threat to their future. Said Kabat, 55, will vote for the first time in his life as Israel’s Arab minority fears a right-wing government. Originally reported by The Straits Times.
Said Kabat’s first vote
55-year-old Said Kabat will vote for the first time in his life on Oct 27.
“But now, I will go out and vote”
Existential threat
Kabat fears a right-wing government will harm Israel’s Arab minority.
“if a right-wing government is returned to power, he fears for the future of Israel’s Arab minority”
Arab minority’s role
Arab Israelis make up 21% of Israel’s population and face discrimination.
“They are descendants of Palestinians who remained within Israel’s borders after the state’s creation in 1948”
Far-right policies
Ben-Gvir and Smotrich push settlement construction in the West Bank and target Arab areas.
“settlement construction in the occupied West Bank has soared”
Voting mobilization
Arab voters traditionally turn out at 53% versus 70% for the country.
“In the last election in November 2022, turnout among Arab and Druze voters was around 53%”
Raam party’s role
Raam could play a kingmaker role in the next Israeli Parliament.
“Raam became the first Arab party to join an Israeli government in a 2021-2022 coalition”
Demolition threats
At least 175 Arab citizens killed in violent crime since 2026.
“Since the start of 2026, at least 175 Arab citizens have been killed in violent crime incidents”
The main idea
Said Kabat, 55, will vote for the first time in his life as Israel’s Arab minority fears a right-wing government.
