Israeli minister backs plan to ban Arab workers

Israeli Minister of Housing Uri Ariel expressed support for sacking Arab workers from their jobs and for the mayor of Ashkelon’s decision to prevent Arabs from working in the city.

In an interview with Israeli Army Radio Ariel said sacking Arab workers “is not considered racist”.

The mayor of Ashkelon confirmed that the ban only applies to Arabs working in kindergartens and schools, and aims to restore a sense of safety. He said the decision came following pressure from parents.

Reports in Israel said Arab workers would be dismissed from jobs in other areas also.

This morning, Yedioth Ahronoth reported that as a punishment for the latest incident in Jerusalem, local authorities have started to sack Arab workers out of “fear”.

The newspaper added that Arabs working in construction in Ashkelon have also been sacked, while authorities in Jerusalem said they would not hire Arabs.

The report pointed out that in recent weeks; large numbers of workers have been sacked from jobs in construction, catering and renovation companies, just because they are Arabs.

An owner of a private venue sacked 17 Arab workers fearing a repeat of the “synagogue operation”.