Calls by Joint Arab List MK Ayman Odeh on Arab Israeli policemen to resign from law enforcement is a grave strategic mistake.
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It is most surprising that such a statement came from one of the most prominent leaders of the Arab Israeli public, who belongs to a Jewish-Arab party that believes in coexistence and signed Israel's Declaration of Independence, and whose heads have historically attributed great significance to their public roles.
From the very beginning of his political career, Odeh branded himself as one who encouraged cooperation between Jews and Arabs, although his latest statements and actions do not reflect this.
Several days ago, he was photographed at a very symbolic location – the Damascus Gate in Jerusalem, where many violent events began in recent years, including those of May 2021.
Odeh urged young Arab Israeli security officers to resign shortly after criticizing and accusing them of harassing Palestinians in east Jerusalem.
A political leader must not only think before he speaks but also consider whether what is on his mind is worth sharing at all. Odeh erred in this regard: He said the wrong thing, at the wrong time, and in the wrong place.
Some may misinterpret his words in a way that could lead to serious incidents, whether it be Arab Israeli security officers who decide to take the law into their own hands or others who will choose to harm those officers, especially when it comes to the Arab sector, in which everyone knows everyone.
Another matter that highlights the severity of Odeh's mistake is his parliamentary and public activity in recent years, as well as cooperation with the Israeli government, to integrate Arab Israelis into state institutions.
The question is whether Arabs should integrate into Israeli society only under certain conditions? Should Arab political leaders limit the integration of Arab Israeli youth into state institutions and prevent them from joining the security forces, contrary to the current situation?
How can Odeh on the one hand speak out against the Israeli government by making just claims about the failure to fight violence and crime in Arab society, and on the other hand he insists on making any integration contingent on Arabs not joining the security forces?
There is no such thing as half equality, and there cannot be full equality if it is conditional on one party. Despite the positive changes and the rapprochement that has characterized the ties between Arabs and Israelis and the state in recent years, there is a long way ahead of us in the just struggle for integration.
The statements of Odeh and other political leaders are not helpful. Given our reality, they should rather consider their words before they speak rather than try to become social media stars.
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