Israeli officials have touted a number of initiatives in recent years, including larger budgets for law enforcement in Arab communities. The Arab sector has traditionally suffered from poverty, neglect and discrimination, and residents have shown little trust in the national Jewish-majority government. Under the coalition deal, the government promised to devote considerable attention and resources to the Arab sector. “The state is now mobilizing to protect Arab citizens from the blight of crime and illegal weapons, and from murder and protection rackets,” he said. In one of its first decisions, it said the army and the Shin Bet — which typically focus their efforts on Palestinian militants and enemies abroad — would be used to help confiscate illegal weapons.

Source: ABC News October 03, 2021 15:00 UTC