Majority of Jews in Israel support Ashkelon mayor's decision to ban Arab workers

A poll shows that a majority of Jews in Israel back Ashkelon Mayor Itamar Shimoni’s decision to ban Arab workers from constructing bomb shelters in city kindergartens, Israel media reported.

The Times of Israel newspaper cited on Thursday a poll by Channel 10 television that found 58 per cent of Jews in Israel supported the mayor’s decision, while 32 per cent opposed it.

Despite this high level of support for what has been widely criticised as a racist policy, Arabs48 news website reported that 67 per cent of those polled felt that discrimination and racism have grown in Israel due to the tense security situation, while 31 per cent believed racism has declined.

Most Israeli politicians have lambasted the proposal, with Israel’s Attorney General warning Shimoni against the plan, saying the move would have serious legal ramifications.

But according to the Times of Israel, dozens of Israelis in Ashkelon staged a protest in support of the mayor’s decision, while “similar rallies for increased security in kindergartens near building sites employing Arab construction workers” were reportedly held in other cities as well.

The newspaper added that the latest violence in Jerusalem has “set off a wave of anti-Arab sentiment” in Israel, with some employers firing all their Arab workers.