IDF fears dangerous road blockages by Arab-Israelis during wartime

More than 2 million Arab-Israelis live in the Jewish state, with most residing in the north and south of the country.

By Hezy Laing

The IDF has raised significant concerns regarding the potential for Arab-Israelis to obstruct military movements on roads during wartime.

This apprehension is influenced by a combination of historical tensions, evolving geopolitical dynamics, and internal social issues.

The IDF recognizes the risk of civil disturbances and protests arising from the Arab population, especially during times of heightened political and military tension.

Past conflicts have seen instances of unrest within Arab communities in Israel, which further heightens fears that similar events could disrupt military operations at critical junctures.

The possibility of obstructions on main roadways poses a serious threat to the IDF’s operational capabilities, as it could severely impact the rapid mobilization of troops and supplies—an essential factor for success in combat situations.

In May 2021, nationwide riots erupted during the Israel–Hamas conflict – as tens of thousands of Arab-Israelis blocked dozens of roads across the country, including major arteries inside Lod, Ramla, Jaffa, Acre, Haifa, and the Galilee, as well as several stretches of Route 65, Route 444, and Route 70.

These blockages were widespread and repeated over several nights, forcing police to divert traffic and deploy special units.

During the riots Arab influencers even threatened that the entire Arab population in Israel would join in the road blockings.

The Shin Bet and police viewed the remarks as dangerous rhetoric.

More than 2 million Arab-Israelis live in the Jewish state, with most residing in the north and south of the country.

The IDF relies greatly on its reserve forces, which need to be called up and usually travel large distances in order to serve.

Chief of the Technological and Logistics Directorate of the IDF, Maj. Gen. Mishel Yanko, said later that he was “very concerned that the rioting had significant potential to delay the ability to maneuver IDF troops.”

Recent polls consistently show that a large majority of Arab-Israelis oppose the definition of Israel as a “Jewish state”.

These polls have shown rejection rates around 67% to 76%, according to the Index of Arab-Jewish Relations in Israel, a long-running survey conducted by Professor Sammy Smooha of the University of Haifa.)

A 2022 survey by the Israel Democracy Institute (IDI) found that over a third of Arab-Israelis expressed support for enemies of Israel, such as Hamas and Hezbollah, particularly during escalations in conflict.