(JNS) Since 2009, except for a brief interlude, Benjamin Netanyahu has been the Israeli prime minister. During his tenure, there has been an unprecedented improvement in the well-being of Arab citizens, both personally and in the towns in which the vast majority live.
Starting in September 2000, the Second Intifada lasted five years, causing the deaths of hundreds of Jews and more than 1,000 Arabs. As a result of the continued violence, tourism and construction sectors collapsed and with it, Arab employment. When it ended, Arab household incomes had plummeted, and they had lost hope in the Jewish state. In 2006, four important Arab civic organizations issued Vision Statements, all advocating for autonomy whereby Arabs would control their own education, police and civic organizations.
While this vision did not go far politically, it made it clear that the status quo was no longer viable, and reforms began. However, their implementation was soon in the hands of Netanyahu. For many, it seemed unfathomable that he would do anything to further Arab welfare since his consistent pronouncements at election time were thoroughly anti-Arab.
However,...
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