Israel's Third and Final Enemy

Submitted by MPicow (Israel), Dec 19, 2006 at 09:47

The problem in regards to Israel's Arab Muslim population, is not an easy one to solve. From the outset, Ben Gurion and other Israeli leaders were afraid to give full rights to "Israeli Arabs" mainly because they are part of the larger group who fought against the Jewish "yeshuv' in British Mandate days, as well as during the War of Independence. It was also decided not to let them join the Israel Defence Forces as their loyalty to the State was suspect even then. This part of Israel's population has been feared to be a 'fifth column" by many and now these fears are partially being realized.

It hasn't been a complete "one way street" though, as many of these people have made outstanding contributions to the country, especially in the medical, legal, an other professions. Various Israeli governments have not given them fair treatment in regards to educational and employment opportunities; resulting in anger and frustration which has been vented out numerous times by terrorism as well as in the first and second Intifida when many of them joined their Palestinian co-religionists in acts of violence against Israelis. Druize, Bedium and other minority groups, while being able to do army service, have also not been treated farely as well. The Druize have made more than their share of scaraficies to Israel's security; but the "appreciation" they have received from the Israeli government has been less than satisfactory, to say the least.

Despite all of this, however, when 'push comes to shove' most of this segment of the country's population know that they are better off than if they decided to become Palestinians. Just observing the goings on in both Gaza and parts of the West Bank under Palestinian control has convinced most "Israeli Arabs" to continue to live under Israeli sovereignty. The mass anarchy now occuring in Gaza is proof positive enough for Israeli Muslims to know which side of their bread is buttered better.

Some limits should be put on Arab Israeli parliamentarians, including not allowing them to visit and meet with representatives of enemy countries and entities bent on Israel's destruction. Either they abide by the general rue of law or lose their parliamentary immunity.

Requiring all of these people to make a written and oral loyal oath to Israel won't work, however, as it won't be a sincere act of fidelity on their part. In the end it looks like we're stuck with them - for better or for worse.

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