The Steering Committee for Arabs of the Negev Files a Complaint Against Bennett, Accusing Him of "Incitement to Hatred and Racism"

SadaNews - The Higher Steering Committee for Arabs of the Negev strongly condemned "the dangerous statements made by right-wing leader Naftali Bennett, in which he described the Arab presence in the Negev as a 'security threat' and a 'danger similar to the events of October 7'. These words are explicit blood incitement and reflect a fascist, racist mentality that sees Arab citizens as enemies instead of equal partners in the homeland."

It stated that "Arabs in the Negev are not guests or strangers, but the original owners of the land, more than 90% of whom were displaced in 1948, and 96% of their lands were confiscated. Their unrecognized villages are still deprived of basic services due to systematic discriminatory policies."

The Higher Steering Committee emphasized that it has initiated a formal complaint to the government’s legal advisor, demanding an immediate investigation against Naftali Bennett for "incitement to hatred and racism." It will also work to pursue him legally on charges of "incitement and insulting Arab citizens."

It noted that "attempts to gain votes through incitement against Arabs will not pass from today. We will not be the 'low wall' for any lowly politician seeking legitimacy for fascist right-wing ideologies by inciting against the people of the Negev."

The committee concluded by stating, "Our demands are legitimate and clear: complete equality in rights, recognition of all Arab villages in the Negev, and an end to discriminatory and exclusionary policies. These are not favors from anyone, but fundamental rights stemming from our being original citizens in our homeland."