MK Ayman Odeh's call for the Arab police - Druze, Christians and Muslims - to return their weapons and retire is a very serious strategic mistake, which he will doubtless be able to correct in the future. An Arab who believes in coexistence, who signed the Declaration of Independence of Israel, and whose leaders, for generations, have attached great importance to their public roles.
Odeh, from the beginning of his political life, made sure to be labeled as leading a joint Jewish-Arab activity, but it turns out that this activity is inconsistent with his recent statements and actions.
Two days ago, Odeh was photographed in a very symbolic place - at the Nablus Gate, the most tense place in the State of Israel, where quite a few difficult events began, including the events of May last year.
His remarks about young Arabs serving in the security forces, and his call for them to lay down their arms, came not long before he sharply criticized them - in which he hinted at their role and function, accusing them of harassing the Palestinian public in East Jerusalem.
"Does not weigh words": MK Ayman Odeh, Photo: Oren Ben Hakon
A political leader should know not only to consider his words, but to know when to say what is on his mind.
Odeh not only erred, but also stumbled in his tongue, and it would have been better if he had not said the things - neither at this time nor in this place.
There will be those who may hear or interpret them incorrectly, and decide to do serious acts - whether it is Arab-Israeli security personnel who will take the law into their own hands, or those who will choose to harm those in uniform, especially when it comes to Arab society, whose people all know each other.
Another point that highlights Odeh's mistake is his parliamentary and public activity in recent years, and his cooperation with Israeli governments to promote the 922 Pentateuch to the Arab public - a program that involves the integration of Arabs in all state institutions.
Hence the question arises: should the Arabs integrate into the country on condition?
Should Arab political leaders restrict the integration of young Arabs in state institutions and prevent them from joining the security forces, in contrast to the current situation? In violence and crime in Arab society, and on the other hand, when the state is interested in including Arabs in its institutions, it is willing to promote it on the condition that the Arab does not enlist in the police.
There is no half equality, and the demand for full equality cannot exist if it is conditional on any party.
Despite the positive changes that have taken place in recent years and the rapprochement on both sides - the Arabs of Israel and the state - the just struggle for their integration is still a long struggle.
The statements of Odeh and other political leaders do not contribute much, and it is better that they consider their words before they are photographed as those who participate in a reality show and are interested in becoming network stars in the reality in which we live.
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