Title: “Controversy Over Construction of Turbines Leads to Widespread Druze Protests”
Subtitle: Kalman Libeskind Criticizes Preferential Treatment of Druze Community
In recent weeks, the Druze community in the Golan Heights has organized a series of protests against the construction of turbines in their area. These protests have gained widespread attention, leading to the Prime Minister intervening and ordering the work to be stopped. However, the decision has sparked controversy, with some objecting to the preferential treatment given to the Druze community.
Kalman Libeskind, a prominent commentator, has voiced his concerns about what he perceives to be a pattern of special treatment for the Druze community. Writing in his column, Libeskind argues that the State of Israel appears to be afraid of the Druze community. He claims that the community’s acts of violence are tolerated more leniently than those of other groups in Israel, allowing the community to exert their influence on the authorities.
Libeskind goes on to cite several examples to support his assertion. One instance he highlights is a case in which the Druze community sang Antena and engaged in riots, prompting a visit from the chief rabbis and a celebratory soccer game. According to Libeskind, these events demonstrate that the Israeli government and law enforcement agencies are reluctant to take decisive action against the Druze community.
Furthermore, Libeskind criticizes the tendency to bring up the issue of military service whenever anyone dares to criticize the Druze community. He acknowledges the contributions and sacrifices made by Druze individuals serving in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) but stresses that this should not exempt them from the rules and laws that apply to all citizens.
“When the Druze sector engages in criminal acts or violates construction regulations, the military service of some of its sons should not be used to shield them from accountability,” Libeskind argues. He calls for an end to the practice of automatically embracing the Druze community and using images of military cemeteries as a way to divert attention from their illegal actions.
The construction of turbines in the Golan Heights has sparked a heated debate surrounding the privileges afforded to the Druze community and the issue of equal treatment under the law. The Prime Minister’s decision to halt the construction and the subsequent approval of a comprehensive plan for the sector indicate that the government acknowledges the concerns raised by the Druze community. However, the criticism voiced by Kalman Libeskind reflects a broader discussion about the importance of upholding the law without bias or favoritism.