Fact-Check Debunks Claims That Arab Parties Vote Against IDF Legislation
A fact-check refutes claims by Likud MK Ofir Katz that Arab parties consistently vote against IDF legislation, highlighting Ra'am's support for military bills.
A recent claim made by outgoing Coalition Chairman Ofir Katz (Likud) regarding the voting patterns of Arab parties in the Knesset has been fact-checked and found to be entirely false. Katz asserted that Arab factions consistently vote against any legislation supporting IDF soldiers.
However, a review of parliamentary voting records during the previous government—in which the Islamist party Ra'am participated as a coalition member—demonstrates the exact opposite. In January 2022, three out of four Ra'am MKs voted in favor of the "Conscription Bill" proposed by then-Defense Minister Benny Gantz, while the fourth member was absent. Although the bill ultimately failed in its first reading due to coalition defections, Ra'am's leadership did not oppose it.
Furthermore, Ra'am took a supportive stance on other military-related legislation, including a December 2021 bill regulating the deployment of IDF soldiers within Israel Police units and prison facilities housing security detainees, which party leader Mansour Abbas backed.
Regarding the high-profile "Dimensions to Studies" bill, which provides 75% tuition funding for discharged combat soldiers, Ra'am maintained a non-100% obstructionist position. While political negotiations ultimately shifted the focus toward securing opposition backing after the coalition lost its narrow majority, Ra'am did not veto or vote against the measure, eventually sitting out the final vote as a pre-assured majority was reached.
