Israel, home to about 10 million people, has seen a troubling rise in violent crime within its Arab minority. Even though Arabs make up roughly one‑fifth of the population, they account for most of the country’s homicides. In 2025 alone, police records show 241 murders in Arab areas compared with just 47 among Jewish residents. That marks the deadliest year on record for the minority group, up from 230 fatalities in 2024. A further 21 foreign nationals were also victims of fatal attacks last year.

The news triggered a nationwide protest. Workers from medicine, academia and tech shut down their jobs between 11 a. m. and 1 p. m. , marching with portraits of victims across the country. In Tel Aviv, a group blocked a main street during rush hour; in Haifa and Beersheba, demonstrators sprayed red dye into public fountains to highlight the violence. Outside the president’s residence in Jerusalem, a banner demanded that the government protect all citizens.

A nurse from Sakhnin shared her personal story. Her home was hit by gunfire 18 months ago, leaving three cars wrecked and the house damaged. She escaped to a nearby village but now feels that no place is safe. A Jewish doctor at Rambam Hospital said Arab colleagues and the wider Palestinian community are Israeli citizens who deserve state support.

Experts point to several root causes. Loan‑sharking and protection rackets run by Arab crime groups have grown, targeting communities that already face discrimination and limited access to banks. High unemployment and low education push young men into gang roles, while easy access to illegal weapons turns disputes into deadly feuds. Arrests are rare because evidence is hard to gather and witnesses fear retaliation from gangs.

Many Arab citizens blame police, the state and government for failing to act. A former police chief noted that only a fraction of shootings lead to indictments, citing difficulty in locating suspects and witnesses. Others say the situation worsened after a far‑right minister took charge of national security, with no response to calls for accountability.

The protests aim to raise awareness and demand stronger protection measures. The call is clear: all Israelis, regardless of ethnicity, deserve safety from gun violence.

A Rising Wave of Violence in Israel’s Arab Communities

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