Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday clarified his controversial comments, in which he warned that Arab Israelis were “running to the polls” ahead of the 2015 elections, in a bid to win over the region’s vote ahead of a March 23 national ballot. .
Netanyahu raised the remarks at an election campaign in the Arab city of Nazareth, where 10 people were arrested while demonstrators clashed with police at a protest against the prime minister’s visit. One of those held was Balad MK Hanin Zoabi.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu
(Photo: GPO)
“For years, political elements have eroded my words,” Netanyahu said at the beginning of this speech. to warn against voting for the joint list to oppose four historic peace agreements that I have reached with four Arab states, “he said.
“All Jewish and Arab citizens of Israel must vote, it is a democratic right.”
Netanyahu’s election day message came six years ago to shift his right-wing voting base into the real moment of the 2015 elections, drawing criticism and accusations of racism from around the globe.


Nazareth Mayor Ali Sallam
(Photo: GPO)
During the speech, Netanyahu also thanked Arab citizens working in the health system for helping the country fight the coronary virus pandemic. He also called for the beginning of a “new era” in Israeli Arab relations with national leadership.
“This is an opportunity to start a time of respect and equality. The peace agreements I have reached with four Arab countries will provide investments that will benefit Israeli citizens especially within the Arab region. whoever says that we remembered the Arab. is public now because of the election either lying or not knowing the truth. “


Hanin Zoabi at the protest in Nazareth
(Photo: Avihu Shapira )
Coalition Chairman Ayman Odeh, who took part in the protest ahead of Netanyahu’s visit, blocked the prime minister’s attempt to reach out to the Arab region.
“With Netanyahu’s massive escape from his trial he took him to Nazareth in another attempt to secede Arab society,” he said. “He would have been patient if he had not brought together large police forces who issue to the campaigners and the journalists. If this is what your mediation efforts seem like, you’d better stay at home. “