Why are Israeli Arabs exempt from serving in the military?

Question

There are plenty of jobs that need to be done outside of the West Bank so I do not think you can say that is a factor.

And from what I have been told by people who have served that the IDF acts as the “melting pot” of Israeli society. In that it makes people from all backgrounds equal and the training forms strong bonds.

Would not Israeli Arabs benefit from this? It would certainly help alleviate claims that Israeli Arabs are second class citizens, after all no one considers Israeli Druze, who do serve, second class citizens.

It would also demonstrate to Israeli Jews that their Arab citizens are not a “fifth column” but part of their society.


It seems like it would be good for all sides, so why is it not happening?

Jehan-
Israeli Druze also serve in the Israeli army, voluntarily since 1948, and, at the community's request, compulsorily since 1956
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Druze#In_Israel

In addtion Druze consider themselves Arabs.

Answer 1

Yes, It would be a positive step however at first it shouldn't be obligatory because it would be counterproductive.

I do not know if Arabs now CAN serve in the military or whether they are not allowed in the first place, but the issue of their loyalty to the state is of essential importance.

This step can produce tangible results, but one should not over expect from it. I served in the Lebanese army where it is also regarded as a religious sects "melting pot". In the army you find all this cohesion and bonding between the military, but once their service is over you find them back to their old beliefs. But still it does have some positive impact.

Answer 2

Ish to the different answer. approximately 20% of all Israelis are Arab Israelis. they are in a position to connect the army. the version is that Arab Israelis at the instant are not required to achieve this. Jewish Israelis could desire to serve. although, Arabs can volunteer. concerning mixed couples, they in all probability face distinctive issues. Many Arabs hate Jews and choose to kill all of them. Many Jews do not have confidence Arabs and picture the Arabs choose to kill the Jews. it could make it frustrating to be conventional everywhere.

Answer 3

I think it's a combination of no desire to serve from side of the Israeli Arabs and general distrust. This distrust is enough so that there's no strong push to force Israeli Arabs to serve, and since they themselves do not want to serve it just doesn't happen. If the Israeli Arabs did want to serve, then they would definately be assigned positions. My guess is they don't really feel the need to defend Israel, so they don't volunteer, same reason most people don't volunteer for the army in their respective countries. Also, for the most part Israeli Arabs do not try to integrate into regular Israeli society; they choose to live and learn in Arabic instead of Hebrew, and despite having lived in Israel their entire lives, they still speak with a distinct Arabic accent while speaking Hebrew. Most only integrate once they enter University and/or the workforce, and then not always.

Answer 4

The Druze men have to do National service, Bedouin (also Arab) used to be called up but no longer are, however, over half of them still volunteer.

I know Christian Arabs living in Israel who have many Jewish friends and plan to join the armed forces if they are allowed to.

The reason that Arabs are exempt is o they will not have to fight their Arab "brothers" if there was a war.

Answer 5

I agree that is could help improve the status of Israeli-Arabs in Israeli society, but I think there are a number of reasons to maintain the status quo...

First of all, the Arabs of Israel would be condemned throughout the Arab world, and since these relations are already strained, I don't think they want to make it worse.

Secondly, this could seriously jeopardize Israel's security, as the new recruits could easily turn on their comrades, especially if they were forced to join.

Finally, if it was an optional thing, the volunteers (if there were any) would actually be in danger as fellow Arabs would probably harbor resentment and thus seek revenge.

The example of the Druze is an exception to the rule. While they are Arabs, they have enjoyed a special relationship with Israel and their place in the society is quite unique. I do not think this can be duplicated in the other Arabs societies.

In most societies I would agree that everyone should be allowed to serve their country with pride, but in such a delicate situation and with the on-going conflict, I think it best for Israeli Arabs to exempt from service.

Answer 6

I think sometimes its better to leave sleeping dogs alone - if an Arab wishes to demonstrate his/her loyalty to the state they can serve in the IDF. There are also very observant Jews who don't serve in the military either. No one accuses them of being a 5th column even though its many of these Jews who through their settlements on the West Bank that agitate bad relations at times between Israel and the PA.

Good Luck!!!

Answer 7

Israeli Arabs have a problem with the Israeli unwritten laws of hidden discrimination. So far Israel has no written constitution and Zionist organization run most of government services. Take a look at housing and land Karan Kayamet organization, you must be a Zionist and Jew to receive any services from Karan Kayamet. The IDF is a Zionist institution that represents Zionists Jews. The native people of the land have no equal rights what so ever under the Zionists unwritten laws.
Thank you for question

Answer 8

Well, Israeli army purpose is to defense Israel from outside forces. Since Israel is in conflict with most of the surrounding countries most probably (and actually happened) it will fight Arab countries and soldiers (except some soviet/Russian pilots). It is not moral nor smart to ask Arabs in Israel to take side in this conflict since they will have to choose side. It is easier both to Israel and to the Arabs in it not to declare whom they in favor. A first step in building the trust can be mandatory civilian service (like hospitals education ...)

Answer 9

first of all I believe it's a national security issue!!! you can't be sure that each and every Arab will be 100% loyal and will not tell to our enemies confidential information ....
second of all... if there will be war.. it'll be probably with one of many arab countries.. do you think that arab will kill an arab to save a jew israeli soldier? I DON'T THINK SO

Answer 10

It's my understanding that a few Israeli Arabs "serve" in non-combat roles and they are not required to. Some Druze serve in greater roles, but are not required to.( Druze are non-Arabs and non-Jews but generally allie themselves with Jewish interests) Many Israeli-Arabs have been called upon(a polite way of saying 'forced') by the Israeli government to spy on other Arabs - this also applies to those in the Israeli-occupied Territories of the West Bank and Gaza.

The very best answer to your question would be to explore the definition and application of Zionism, unfortunately.