Israel

Israel

MembersIsrael’s Arab Soldiers Who Fight for the Jewish Nation

Israel Today speaks to the family of just one of the many Arab soldiers risking their lives for the Jewish state

Photo: Basel Awidat/Flash90

In spite of the recent escalation of violence coming from the Gaza Strip, a recent surge in Arab citizens of Israel volunteering for duty in the IDF signals a major shift in Arab attitudes toward the State of Israel. After more than 70 years of ambiguous, almost schizophrenic relationships with the Jewish state they love to hate, increasing numbers of Israeli Arabs are finally waking up to the reality that the Jewish nation can be a home for them, too.

Arabs are legally exempted from Israel’s mandatory military conscription and there continue to be serious doubts as to whether an Arab could be expected to fight against other Arabs in Israel’s wars. Yet the government is allowing and even encouraging hundreds of Arabs, both Christians and Muslims, to join the Israeli army. Hundreds of Arab high school graduates are signing up for the IDF, representing a shift in government policy and a growing trend amongst Israel’s nearly 2 million Arab citizens.

Is Blood Thicker Than Water?

Many of these recruits come from well-established Muslim families who have...

Israel Today Membership

Become a Member

  • Read all member content

    Get exclusive in-depth reports from Israel.

  • Get exclusive in-depth reports from Israel

    Connect with Israel, right from your home.

  • Lift up the voice of truth and hope

    Support Jerusalem-based Zionist journalism.

Already a member? .

About the author

Patrick Callahan

This is an example of author bio/description. Beard fashion axe trust fund, post-ironic listicle scenester. Uniquely mesh maintainable users rather than plug-and-play testing procedures.

Leave a Reply

Login