Can Israel build a Jewish state that includes its Arab citizens? - opinion

Greer Fay Cashman argues that Israel's future depends on embracing Jews and Arabs as equals. The piece notes haredi objections to a Jewish state, Arab integration challenges post-October 7, and predicts Israel will eventually accept a state of all its citizens or a Palestinian state. Recent Arab election turnout is cited as proof of progress toward equal treatment.

Greer Fay Cashman argues that Israel's future depends on embracing Jews and Arabs as equals. The piece notes that both coalition and opposition parties want a Jewish and democratic state, but this excludes haredi and Arab parties. Haredi parties object to Israel being called a Jewish state, viewing it as a theocracy, while Arabs cannot be expected to be Zionists. The article acknowledges that Israeli Arabs are not always treated equally, especially after October 7, and warns that restrictions imposed on them would be called antisemitic if applied to Jews. It predicts Israel will eventually have to accept a state of all its citizens or a Palestinian state. The recent Arab election turnout is cited as proof of progress toward equal consideration, with expectations of more educational facilities, community services, and job opportunities. The piece also calls for recognizing Bedouin villages in the Negev and West Bank, noting Bedouins serve in the army and rescued people on October 7. It highlights Arab integration in public life—hospitals, universities, Knesset—but notes they are still unofficially barred from sitting in government, with Raleb Majadle as the first Muslim Arab cabinet minister in 2007.