Following second political murder in the Arab sector in two days, Netanyahu creates special committee

Murder wave in the Arab sector continues unabated

Following the latest incidents of politically motivated murders in the Arab community, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced the creation of an investigatory subcommittee to include the Israeli Security Agency (ISA).

The committee will meet on Wednesday and include Netanyahu, Justice Minister Yariv Levin, National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir, Interior Minister Moshe Arbel, Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, Economy Minister Nir Barkat and Diaspora Minister Amichai Chikli, according to The Jerusalem Post.

The Arab society in Israel is in the midst of an unprecedented wave of violence and murder. This year alone, 158 people were murdered for different motivations including criminal hits, political assassination, and revenge killings.

Thousands attended the funeral of Tira Municipality Dir.-Gen. Abed al-Rahman Kashua on Wednesday morning. Kashua's murder two days ago has prompted renewed calls to deal with the crime wave, Ynet news reported.

“These murders, the criminal organizations, the protection rackets, taking over municipalities, this is something we cannot afford,” Netanyahu said following Kashua’s death.

On Tuesday, four Druze men were shot dead in the town of Abu Snan, near Acre in the Galilee. Among the murdered was a local council candidate, Ghazi Sa’ab, and three of his family members.

Druze Sheikh Mowafaq Tarif demanded that the government take action.

“The state and the police turn a blind eye to the rampant criminal terrorism,” Tarif said. “The government must take ownership immediately and present an emergency plan to the public.”

Also on Tuesday, the mayor of the southern city of Rahat, Ata Abu Madi’am, told Ynet that his house was shot at and that a firework grenade was left in his courtyard.

According to the police, 25 Arab politicians are currently classified as “under violent threat” and receiving police security.