Political, media and public criticism has been heard for years against Arab Knesset members for not caring about their electorate and mainly representing the Palestinian interest vis-à-vis Israel.
However, now that the Arab Knesset members have led the government to do good with the Arab local authorities, the shout is heard from Knesset members from the right, who claim that they are selling the state and paying the Arabs for the stability of the coalition.
When RAAM is in the coalition, and another Arab list is in opposition, this is proof that Arab Knesset members represent their constituents, and the opposite claim is nothing more than populism and deception, especially of the Jewish public.
The voices and shouts that have been heard in recent weeks following the government's decision to increase jurisdiction for Arab local authorities would not have been heard if those critics were part of the coalition and government, and it is no secret that Israeli governments in the last two decades saw closing gaps between Jews and Arabs in Israel as an important national interest.
Anyone looking for proof of the need to close the gaps must return to the conclusions of the Or Committee, which investigated the events of October 2000, or alternatively review the discussions of recent governments or the discussions of the National Security Council.
With the Arabs in opposition, without involvement in decision-making, many right-wing Knesset members claim that Arab Knesset members do not represent the interests of their constituents, but few know that without the cooperation of Arab Knesset members with the Likud's previous governments, all five-year plans, especially 922 billion. Shekels for Arab society were not passed and approved by the various committees in the Knesset.
Some of the budget transfers in recent weeks are related to the coalition agreement signed by RAAM, which is an integral part of the current coalition. Should Arab Knesset members take care of their public from opposition benches? Making decisions and not staying on the political fringes, and at best becoming the opposition of the opposition.
In the political game there is not, and should not be, a difference between the citizens of the country.
Especially now, when we are all going through a difficult and challenging period, politically and security-wise, there is a spark of hope for the integration of the Arabs in quite a few places.
It takes a different, pragmatic leadership that knows the reality.
And if she does not work for cooperation, at least she will know how to keep her tongue and be careful in her various statements.
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