Arabs in Israel worried over possible swap deal

[Herschel]

Arabs with Israeli citizenship, who have long complained of discrimination, were worrying yesterday about suggestions Israel may one day swap them for Jewish settlers in a deal with the Palestinians.

Talk was of little else at the grocery stores in the Israeli Arab town of Umm El Fahm as people gathered to read newspaper reports of an idea floated by Prime Minister Ariel Sharon's government.

"We are equal residents. We want to stay here," said Jabali Khaled Yousef. "We built this country."

Israel's relationship with the nearly 20 per cent of its citizens who are Arabs - many of whom have Palestinian relatives - has grown increasingly strained during three years of conflict with the Palestinians.

cut

http://www.gulf-news.com/Articles/news.asp?ArticleID=109940

Many wail that Arabs had Israel created around them. Many wail these Arabs are discriminated against. Many wail Israel will not sacrifice land. Yet, they will object to this! Please!

[David__77]

1. They are true patriots, these Israeli Arabs.

You should be glad that these citizens of Israel wish to remain as such. I'm sure as time goes on, the Israeli Arab people will play an ever greater role in Israeli civic affairs, exerting ever greater influence. We should celebrate their civic involvement, right?

[sushi]

2. Can't believe this

A country wants to get rid of some of its citizens. Not even criminals, but normal, law-abiding citizens. Never heard this before.