Arab League Urges Israeli Arabs to Vote Against The ‘Radical Right’

“The radical Right in Israel is striving to pass anti-Arab laws whose aim is to ethnically cleanse the Arabs,” a statement released by the Arab umbrella group said.

“Forecasts see the majority voting for the extremist, racist Right, which doesn’t want peace but wants a Jewish state that considers Arabs a risk for Israel.”

Arab Israeli parties are expected to maintain their current 11 Knesset seats.

The group asserted that by not voting, Arab Israelis are tacitly encouraging anti-Arab legislation and “giving those who support ethnic cleansing what they want.” The official Palestinian news agency, Wafa, which reported on the Arab League’s statement, accused Netanyahu of making statements that “portend future wars… tension, instability and the elimination of any chance for peace in the region.”

Arab Israeli voter turnout has been low in recent years compared to the general public. In 2009, 53.4 percent of the Arab sector voted, and 56.3 percent voted three years earlier. A record low turnout was reported in 2001, when only 18 percent of voters cast their ballots.

This article appeared in print on page 7 of the January 21st, 2013 edition of Hamodia.