Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu promised the start of a "new era" for Jewish-Arab relations in Israel, during a visit to the predominantly Arab city of Nazareth, in northern Israel, Wednesday.
Follow Israel Hayom on Facebook and Twitter
"If Jews and Arabs can dance together in the streets of Dubai, they can dance together here in Israel. A new era of prosperity, integration, and security begins today," he said.
The premier also vowed to adopt a far-reaching plan to fight violence and organized crime in Arab communities "very soon."
While delivering his comments, Netanyahu also touched on a controversial subject regarding a video he released during the 2015 general election that caused an uproar both in Israel and abroad.
In the hours leading up to the election, Netanyahu broadcasted a clip warning his constituents that "Arab voters are moving in droves to the polling stations," adding that the country's right-wing government was in danger of being ousted from power.
The comments were condemned by the international community and Israeli politicians alike, but on Wednesday Netanyahu claimed that his warning was taken out of context.
"They twisted my words," said Netanyahu, claiming that "My intention was not to protest against the fact of Arab citizens voting in elections," but rather "to protest against their voting for the [Arab-majority] Joint Arab List party."
Nevertheless, Netanyahu said that he "apologized then and I apologize now, as well."
Israel Police said on Wednesday that at least 10 people were arrested in Nazareth after clashes broke out between cops and demonstrators protesting Netanyahu's visit to the city.
Netanyahu has recently been on a charm offensive in an effort to court Arab-Israeli voters ahead of the country's fourth general election in two years, set for March 23.
Some leaders in the Arab community have been receptive to Netanyahu's messaging, underscoring their desire to influence the Israeli political system to better help their constituents.
Still, many Arab-Israelis politicians have said they distrust the prime minister and have vowed not to support him after the March election.
Subscribe to Israel Hayom's daily newsletter and never miss our top stories!
"Arab voters will not be the rescue vehicle of Netanyahu. There's nothing for him here in this election campaign," said Joint List MK Sondos Saleh.
This article was first published by i24NEWS.
