Arab Communities in Israel Protest Against Rising Violence and Police Inaction

On January 22, 2026, Arab communities across Israel participated in a general strike, primarily centered in the city of Sakhnin, to protest against escalating violence, extortion, and a perceived lack of law enforcement. The strike was organized by the High Follow-Up Committee for Arab Citizens of Israel, led by Dr. Jamal Zahalka, and resulted in the closure of schools, businesses, and public services in Arab localities. This protest followed a three-day shutdown in Sakhnin, where residents expressed their frustration over rampant criminal activities, including shootings and threats against local businesses.

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Sakhnin has recently faced a surge in violence, with residents reporting incidents of gunfire directed at businesses and extortion attempts by criminal organizations. Mayor Mazen Ghnaim highlighted the severity of the situation, stating, “Every day and every night, people roam the main road shooting, burning property and acting with complete impunity.” Business owners like Ali Zbeidat and Khaled Abu Saleh shared their experiences of being targeted, with Zbeidat recounting that “more than 200 bullets were fired at my store.” The protest aimed to draw attention to these issues and demand action from law enforcement.

YnetNews

National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir criticized the strike, accusing Arab leaders of hypocrisy for simultaneously condemning police inaction while allegedly supporting criminal activities. He claimed to have allocated significant resources to combat crime but faced skepticism from the Arab community, which has expressed a lack of trust in law enforcement. Opposition leaders, including Mansour Abbas of Ra’am, condemned the government’s failure to address the rising violence, citing that nearly 2,000 citizens have been murdered over the past two decades due to crime in Arab society.

Times of Israel

Protesters in Sakhnin voiced their determination to continue the fight against violence. Mohammed Jaber, a local business owner, stated, “We will not return to our businesses until we see personal security.” Ibrahim Ghnaim emphasized the need for a broader economic strike involving various sectors to amplify their demands. Residents expressed a collective desire for safety, with some contemplating leaving the country due to the ongoing threats.

YnetNews

The general strike is seen as a pivotal moment for the Arab community in Israel, aiming to transform local grievances into a national movement for change. Ayman Odeh, chairman of the Hadash-Tal party, described the strike as a significant step toward civil disobedience, emphasizing the need for unity among all citizens in the struggle against organized crime.

The Jerusalem Post

While the protest has garnered significant attention, there are conflicting narratives regarding the effectiveness of police actions and the extent of community support for the strike. Some officials, including Ben Gvir, argue that local leadership has contributed to the crime problem, while community leaders assert that the government has failed to provide adequate security.

Times of Israel

• “What is happening in Arab society in general, and in Sakhnin in particular, is not normal,” — Mazen Ghnaim, Mayor of Sakhnin

YnetNews

• “We will not return to our businesses until we see personal security,” — Mohammed Jaber, Business Owner

YnetNews

• “ “In the past year alone, we surpassed 250 murder victims, including 46 murdered women in Israel,” Abbas says, complaining that “for many years, thousands of citizens in Israel have been paying protection money to criminal organizations, and there is still no response.” — Mansour Abbas, Ra’am Chairman

Times of Israel

• “The government is failing to provide personal security, failing to address protection rackets, and failing in the fight against violent crime,” — Yair Lapid, Opposition Leader

The Jerusalem Post

The ongoing protests reflect deep-seated frustrations within the Arab community regarding safety and government accountability, signaling a potential shift in the dynamics of civil engagement in Israel.

The Jerusalem Post