ICG Report - Identity Crisis: Israel and Its Arab Citizens

[WheresWaldo]

http://www.crisisweb.org/home/index.cfm

Prospects for Israel's long-term stability will remain uncertain unless the systemic inequities facing its Arab citizens are addressed. Mistrust between Israel's Jewish majority and its Arab minority, who make up roughly 20 per cent of the population, runs deep. Jewish Israelis question the willingness of their Arab counterparts to come to terms with the state, often perceiving them as a security and demographic threat. Arab citizens feel neglected and discriminated against, particularly on issues of land ownership, resource allocation and political representation. Israel's political system faces a critical test of proving to the Arab minority that it is capable of delivering equality. Further failure would only deepen already volatile tensions. Immediate steps are needed to redress discriminatory practices, lessen inter-communal tensions, and launch an inclusive process to define the state's long-term attitude towards its Arab citizens.