The “Iron Swords” war, which began on October 7, 2023, has had far-reaching effects on Arab women in Israel. The damage wrought has wider social and economic implications that affect the strength of the family and the community, as well as Arab society in Israel and Israeli society as a whole.

While the Knesset prepares to pass the national budget for 2024, the question of a rising defense budget and dwindling funds for social services are at the top of the agenda.

The 15% budget cut in the 5-year plan is liable to negate the progress made to date and to increase the level of violence in Arab society.This is a decisive moment in Israel’s responsibility for Palestinian society – and for Israel as a whole.

Israel’s national budget for 2024 indicates a “day after” with more warfare, less welfare and less equity.

The policy of ‘Arming Israel,’ as it is currently being conducted, will deepen the vulnerability of women in general and women who are caught in the cycle of domestic violence in particular

In times of crisis, women’s employment is more precarious than men’s. This was true during the Corona epidemic, and this is what is happening today — due mainly to the gender division of labour in the household, reinforced by upsets or closures in the education system, especially during wartime when numerous men are called up to the reserves

Neglect of residents of the unrecognized villages is outrageous. The security threat prevents Bedouin citizens residing in the Negev from purchasing necessities, thus creating a threat of food insecurity and even hunger, which is liable to exacerbate if the present war continues

It is incumbent upon us to remember that contribution and to strengthen that cooperation in ordinary times as well as in emergencies

What has become eminently clear since the November 2022 elections is that the present government has no interest in promoting financial or any other type of inclusion for Arab citizens

What Israel needs is more help-tech workers, more positions for help-tech workers in the public services, and higher salaries that will not discourage women (as well as men) from entering and remaining in the help-tech professions