Arab Israeli leaders holding placards, with text in Arabic that translates to: “Vote for the Joint List, for a new tomorrow on March 17” ahead of elections in 2015. AFP | Photo Credit: AFPmore-inIt has never been easy being a lawmaker who identifies as Palestinian in the Israeli Parliament, but today it is harder than ever, Arab Israeli MPs say. The 2015 election also saw Arab Israeli parties form a common political front for the first time since the creation of Israel in 1948. Five more Arab Israeli parliamentarians belong to other parties. Making up around 18% of Israel’s population, Arab Israelis are descended from Palestinians who remained on their land after Israel was established.

Source: The Hindu February 12, 2017 18:22 UTC