Policing the Palestinian National Minority in Israel: An International Human Rights Perspective

Abstract

Palestinians make up 64% of homicide victims in Israel, even though they constitute 20% of the population. The homicide rate per 100,000 inhabitants in Arab towns in Israel is 5.5 times higher than in Jewish towns. The turbulent relationship between the police and Palestinian minority is a key factor for understanding high crime rates in Arab towns. This relationship can by characterised by over-policing political activities and under-policing ordinary crime. This article analyses the policing of the Palestinian minority in Israel from a human rights perspective. It suggests that the policing of the Palestinian citizens in Israel is inconsistent with international human rights standards. Furthermore, eradicating institutional bias against the Palestinian citizens within the police force requires broader political and constitutional changes.