Surge in Murder Rates in the Arab-Israeli Community

A recent study by the Taub Center has revealed a sharp rise in the murder rate within Israel's Arab community, ranking it as the third highest in the developed world. The findings are part of a broader analysis of the country's homicide trends, comparing them to 32 countries in the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).

In 2023, there were 233 murders within Israel's Arab community, a dramatic increase from 109 in 2022. This surge mirrors a broader rise in crime rates across the country, including within Jewish communities, where murders grew from 38 in 2022 to 66 in 2023.

The murder rate in Israel was compared to other OECD countries, with Israel ranking 10th in 2019, between Poland and Portugal. Within Israel, however, the disparity between the murder rates in Arab and Jewish communities is stark. In 2023, the Arab community's murder rate was ranked 3rd worldwide, between Mexico and Latvia, while Jewish communities ranked 23rd. The Taub Center's findings suggest the disparity is growing, with the murder rate ratio between Jewish and Arab Israelis reaching 1:13 by 2023, a troubling increase from 1:4 in 2015.

The rise in violence is often attributed to a combination of factors. According to the Taub Center, the growth of Israel's population, especially among young men aged 20-34, and the general increase in national violence have contributed significantly. The report also points to a "culture of violence" spreading in Arab communities, worsened by the current period of instability in Israel.

The Taub Center cautions that while these trends are concerning, they are not irreversible. By implementing targeted social and policy changes, the murder rates in both Arab and Jewish communities could potentially be reduced. However, the current trends highlight the need for urgent attention to public safety and social cohesion.

A related survey from the Israel Democracy Institute has shown that support for Hamas control of Gaza has significantly increased among Arab Israelis, from 8% in September 2024 to 29% by January 2025. This shift reflects growing discontent and division, with a rise in support for Hamas control, even as the overall public opinion remains divided on the country’s approach to national security.

In general, public optimism regarding national security has seen a notable decline. Among Jewish respondents, confidence dropped from 56% in December 2024 to 42% in January 2025. In contrast, optimism among Arab respondents saw a slight increase, reflecting broader divisions in the national mood.