Yair Golan, leader of the left-wing Democrats Party, unveiled a sweeping NIS 1 billion plan aimed at combating organized crime within Israel’s Arab communities. The initiative, presented at a press conference in Nazareth on August 10, 2026, includes measures such as declaring a national state of emergency, forming a specialized task force, expediting judicial processes, and launching an economic campaign targeting criminal networks. Golan emphasized that the plan represents a "root treatment" to address systemic issues, stating that crime in Arab society poses a threat to all Israelis. His remarks came amid rising tensions and calls for greater security in the region. The plan outlines several critical steps. First, Golan proposed that a national state of emergency be declared within the first week of forming a government led by him or including his party. This would enable the creation of a dedicated task force uniting law enforcement agencies. Additionally, he advocated for reducing the time between arrest and sentencing to just nine months, establishing specialized courts for serious offenses, and implementing an economic strategy to sever criminal organizations' financial ties. A new interministerial body, dubbed "Team 49," was also introduced. Named after the 49 children and minors killed in recent years, the team aims to collaborate with education, welfare, and rehabilitation sectors to identify and assist at-risk youth. During the press conference, Golan highlighted the severity of the situation, displaying weapons seized from criminal groups, including RPGs, automatic rifles, and handguns. Addressing Arab citizens and grieving families, he expressed regret over the government’s perceived failure to protect them, accusing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir of allowing criminal organizations to gain unchecked power. He argued that the government possesses the capability to dismantle these networks, emphasizing that the rise in crime was a result of policy failures rather than cultural or inevitability factors. Golan also underscored the broader implications of the crisis, asserting that criminal dominance in Arab neighborhoods threatens the safety of all Israelis. He warned that criminal groups do not remain confined to specific areas but extend their influence into roads, cities, and daily life. Concluding his speech, he pledged that his party’s first priority would be securing the National Security Ministry portfolio, framing the challenge as a test of leadership and effectiveness. Meanwhile, activist Einav Zangauker, mother of former hostage Matan Zangauker, publicly accused Golan of breaking a personal promise. In a social media post, she recounted that in February 2026, Golan assured her of a prominent position on the Democrats’ Knesset slate, placing her immediately after current lawmakers. She claimed that Golan reaffirmed this commitment multiple times, urging her to maintain secrecy and avoid media attention. Despite adhering to these conditions, Zangauker found herself excluded from the final list, which was finalized after the party’s primaries. Golan responded to Zangauker’s allegations, expressing deep regret for the disappointment caused and taking full responsibility for his decision. He explained that he chose not to reserve any spots on the party list, respecting the decisions of the 113,000 registered members who participated in the primaries. While he offered Zangauker a significant role in the campaign and continued collaboration beyond the election, he did not acknowledge the broken promise. The decision, he stated, was based on trust in the voters’ choices. The Democrats’ Knesset slate, finalized after a high voter turnout of 86%, featured notable figures such as MK Naama Lazimi, who secured the second position. Other candidates included activists, former military personnel, and representatives from diverse backgrounds. Lazimi, drawing from her experiences in Arab communities, criticized the current government for failing to ensure security and called for a renewed commitment to democracy and inclusivity. She urged potential coalition partners to move beyond political cynicism and prioritize collective progress.
★
Keep the news honest.
ObjectiveNews is reader-funded and ad-free — we show you the bias instead of hiding it. Support independent journalism for €4/month.
Become a Supporter
IL
