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In contrast, the political left weakened, but the presence of Labor in the government denotes its acceptance of belligerent, racist policies, however its members vote or may split. Even the opposition is a "mosaic of extreme right, center and left parties," unable to block extremist measures, harmful to Arab rights.
The election marked the low-point of Arab-Jewish relations. Ahead of it, Acre clashes caused damage and destruction to over 100 Arab and Jewish shops and properties, some burned to the ground (a mini- Kristallnacht mostly affecting Arabs).
The incidents signified a political agenda to Judaize Arab neighborhoods by transferring Jews to towns and cities across Israel. Racial incidents, violence and other incitement followed, Acre signaling worse to come.
Throughout 2008, political incitement against Arab communities occurred. Then the Gaza war that affected Arab Israelis, especially from repression of anti-war sentiment at the time and greater Arab hostility.
On January 12, 2009, Israel's Central Election Committee (CEC) banned two of three Knesset parties representing Arab communities - the United Arab List Ta'al and Balad - from participating in the February elections, claiming they don't recognize the Jewish state and call for armed uprisings against it. Although the Supreme Court overturned the decision, it showed an increasing infringement of Arab Israeli civil, human, and political rights as well as alarming racism and discrimination by state authorities.
Post-election, key portfolios have been dominated by ethno-nationalistic politics, legitimizing discriminatory ideology and legislation, threatening peace, Israeli Arab rights and security.
Much provocation also comes from former settlers, moved to Acre, Jaffa, Ramle and other mixed areas after Sharon's 2005 Gaza disengagement, now encouraged to incite violence against Israeli Arabs. Politicians like Avigdor Lieberman aid them by racist slurs and charging Arab political leaders with disloyalty when they disagree with government policy.
For example, on August 5, 2009, Lieberman accused MK Ahmad Tibi, United Arab List head, of being "more dangerous to Israel than the Islamic Resistance movement, Hamas, and the Islamic Jihad (and that Israel's) main problem is not the Palestinians but Ahmad Tibi and others like him."
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