The events in the Negev mainly garnered attention from a political perspective, namely the Ra'am party's potential withdrawal from the coalition (although it was clear a resignation was never forthcoming because its leaders believe they can influence matters from the inside). Perhaps, however, we need to be examining another important and interesting phenomenon, which is the very young age of the Bedouins who confronted the police.
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Most of the young men and women who partook in the protests, and most of those who have been arrested by the Israel Police, are between the ages of 16-21, which not only indicates their involvement and that they are leading this fight, but also the younger Bedouin generation's lack of trust in the country and its institutions. This is a particularly large warning sign for the educational system, even though anyone with eyes and some sense is already familiar with the quality of education in the Negev.
Several years ago, many Bedouin youths, from the north and south, volunteered to serve in the IDF in considerable numbers, and even developed expertise in various security-related fields, particularly as trackers. Today, however, Bedouin youths are drifting increasingly farther from the country and its institutions in favor of academia, a trend clearly reflected by the large number of university and college graduates from the Bedouin community.
There is a basis and backdrop for this disconnect among Bedouin youths, and they, similar to Arab youths, are influenced by social media and by the state's and government's policies directed at them. Additionally, parents' influence over their children has steadily waned over the years, replaced, as stated, by social media, whose influence is only growing and is where these youths organize and congregate to discuss matters and form their opinions.
Among Arab youth around the Arab world as well – in Lebanon, Tunisia, Egypt – we are seeing members of the younger generation, those 18 and up, play a significant role in clashing or fighting with establishment institutions and the police, and this picture is influencing the minds of the Arab youth in Israel, too.
The State of Israel and its various bodies should have identified this alienation among Arab youths years ago, essentially since the events of October 2000, but it seems this state of affairs is convenient for the decision and policy-makers. The events of the past few years, the various rounds of fighting with the Palestinians in Gaza, legislation such as the nation-state law – have all deeply impacted the hearts and minds of the younger Arab generation, particularly the population for whom military service is a common aspect of life, for instance, the Bedouins and Druze.
Efforts are being made to integrate the younger Arab generation, and in many areas the change is palpable, but the reality on the ground still remains far more complicated. What's needed here and now is a discourse between the state and Arab youths to give them a sense of belonging, otherwise, the chasm will grow wider and the next eruption will only be a matter of time.
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