Combating violence in Arab communities in Israel – Strengthening governance or creating the next social crisis

• In Event: Social Explanations to Violent Crimes

Abstract

The article focuses on the legal policy towards the rocking levels of illegal use of weapon and sever violence in Arab communities in Israel . With the establishment of the 36 government, on June 2021, a number of initiatives were launched and considerable resources were allocated to combat this phenomenon. The newly elected government also increased the use of law enforcement powers, adopting strict enforcement policies and increasing punishments dramatically, including setting mandatory punishment for weapon offences.

The second part of the article points out the negative by-products that the policies adopted by the Israeli government might have. This part is divided into three subsections: First, we consider the negative effects of incarceration at the individual level, in terms of recidivism and family ties. Our second concern is the deepening of penal inequality, considering the fact that in parallel with a strict policy towards violent offenses in Arab communities, the Israeli law enforcement system is working to develop a rehabilitative approach in dealing with other crimes. In the last section, we discuss concerns regarding the erosion of law enforcement legitimacy among Israeli Arabs. We examine the severe crisis of legitimacy in the criminal justice system in the United States and its similarities to the situation in Israel.

In conclusion, the article calls for a policy that focuses on the individual and social characteristics of offenders in order to help them get out of the circle of criminality. Adopting this type of policy is especially critical after years of governmental neglect of Arab communities that stand at the root of the high level of crime. The emphasis on rehabilitation has not only preventive and utilitarian value, but it is also part of governmental fairness and responsibility to reduce social inequality.

Authors

• Hagit Lernau, Haifa University

• Maram Azem-Nashef, بدايات (Bidaiat) Rehabilitate Center