Internal divisions deepen in Israel

Israel’s National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir has declared a tough response following a surge in youth violence, including the killing of 21-year-old former Israeli soldier Yemanu Binyamin Zalka.

Addressing the media, Ben-Gvir stated, “This will be a total war,” announcing a nationwide operation aimed at restoring security and cracking down on violent crime. He warned that anyone harming Israeli civilians would face severe consequences.

However, critics argue that this strong response contrasts sharply with the government’s handling of violence in Palestinian communities inside Israel, where nearly 100 people have been killed. They accuse authorities of maintaining a “two-tier policing” system that disadvantages what is often referred to as the “Arab sector.”

Under Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government, in power since late 2022, the situation is said to have worsened. Data indicates that the murder rate in Palestinian communities has risen significantly—from 4.9 per 100,000 in 2020 to 11 per 100,000—comparable to rates in conflict-affected countries like Sudan and Iraq. In contrast, the rate in Jewish communities stands at around 0.6.

Critics also point to the influence of far-right figures such as Bezalel Smotrich, accusing them of fostering discriminatory policies that have contributed to the spike in violence.

Arab Israeli lawmaker Aida Touma-Suleiman has alleged that policing in Palestinian areas remains inadequate, with only about 10 police stations serving these communities compared to widespread coverage in Jewish-majority areas.

A controversial government decision to cut $68.5 million from an economic development program for Palestinian communities to fund policing has further intensified criticism. Observers argue this undermines efforts to address root causes of crime such as poverty and lack of infrastructure.

Palestinian citizens make up around 21% of Israel’s population and are descendants of those who remained after the 1948 establishment of Israel—an event known to them as the Nakba.

Experts say years of underinvestment and marginalization have allowed criminal networks in Palestinian areas to expand, in some cases resembling organized crime syndicates.

Professor Daniel Bar-Tal of Tel Aviv University suggested that government inaction has contributed to the persistence of violence, while critics accuse authorities of politicizing the issue.

Domestically, criticism of Ben-Gvir is growing. Israel’s High Court has recently intervened in disputes involving the minister, reflecting increasing concern over his role and conduct.

Analysts warn that the situation highlights deep structural inequalities within Israel’s internal security framework and risks further deepening societal divisions.