What It’s About
National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir chose to boycott a crucial meeting called by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to address the increasing crime in Arab Israeli society. The meeting was snubbed not only by Ben Gvir but also by top police officials under his directive.
Why It Matters
This incident underscores the ongoing political rifts between Prime Minister Netanyahu and the far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir, potentially impacting efforts to mitigate crime in Arab Israeli communities. The lack of unity within the government raises concerns about the efficacy of future crime control initiatives.
Driving the News
According to multiple Israeli media outlets, including Channel 12 and Ynet, the officials in Ben Gvir’s ministry refused to attend the meeting because the Israel Police’s Commander Yoram Sofer was uninvited. Sofer has been pivotal in managing violent crime within the Arab community, which has resulted in 173 murders this year alone. Ben Gvir, facing conflicts with Sofer, also directed Police Commissioner Daniel Levy and other top police officials to skip the meeting.
What They’re Saying
“The Prime Minister’s Office refused to authorize the participation of [Sofer] who is in charge of the fight against Arab crime. The reason is unclear,” stated officials in Ben Gvir’s ministry.
Reaction from Netanyahu’s Camp
Prime Minister Netanyahu remained unfazed by the boycott, saying, “I am not impressed by these boycotts. We will deal with them separately.”
The Big Picture
Within Netanyahu’s often fractious coalition, this latest boycott is part of a slew of conflicts involving Ben Gvir. Previous disagreements include Ben Gvir’s opposition to a hostage-ceasefire deal with Hamas and his clashes over Jerusalem’s Temple Mount status. These ongoing rifts demonstrate Netanyahu’s strained trust in Ben Gvir, suspecting him of leaking details from confidential meetings. Despite this, the government continues to brainstorm initiatives to combat Arab community crime, including examining monetary regulations to curtail illicit finances.
Community Impact
Skyrocketing crime rates in Arab Israeli communities highlight the urgency. Many community leaders criticize the police for failing to crackdown on criminal organizations, attributing underlying issues to governmental neglect and discrimination. The involvement of broad initiatives suggests a complex, multi-faceted approach is necessary to tackle these deep-rooted problems.
What’s Next
Israel’s effort to address Arab Israeli crime is gaining increased scrutiny, as skepticism within the government amidst external pressures challenges effective action. With multiple legislative and enforcement implications hanging in the balance, achieving cohesive governance is a pressing necessity.
Our Take
The Israeli government faces a significant challenge in tackling the surge of crime in Arab communities amidst internal political discord. Unified and focused leadership remains crucial for establishing peace and safety for all citizens.
This story was first published on timesofisrael.com.