Abu Qwaider’s village, az-Zarnūg, is one of at least 35 unrecognized villages in the Negev. The village has faced numerous challenges, including the recent demolition of dozens of homes by Israeli officials. The Bedouin families in these unrecognized villages struggle with a lack of access to basic public services like electricity and are often not provided with bomb shelters, exposing them to difficult climate conditions. Despite facing unfair or unjust treatment, some Bedouin individuals have chosen to serve in the Israeli military and border police, leading to scrutiny and criticism from the Palestinian community.
The issue of Bedouin individuals serving in the Israeli forces represents a minority of the population. Some Bedouin choose to join the military as a means of overcoming poverty and social barriers, although more research is needed in this area. While military service is not mandatory for Bedouin tribes, there are over 1,500 Bedouin serving in the Israel Defense Forces as of February, according to reports. The Negev Bedouin have also faced challenges due to their participation in the Israeli military, with some Palestinians viewing them as partners in the occupation.
The Negev Coexistence Forum for Civil Equality, founded in 1997, works to bridge the gap between Jewish Israelis and Bedouin communities. The organization aims to acknowledge the violence inflicted on the Bedouin by Israelis and the Israeli state, fostering understanding and cooperation. Despite opposition to a political agreement to end the war in Gaza among many Jewish Israelis, there is strong support among Arab Israelis for a deal to bring an end to the conflict. Likewise, while a majority of Jewish respondents oppose the establishment of an independent and demilitarized Palestinian state, the majority of Arab Israeli participants support such a proposal.
Gil Shohat, from the Rosa Luxemburg Foundation in Germany, attended an iftar meal in Israel, recognizing the importance of dialogue and cooperation in times of conflict. His organization strongly advocates for a cease-fire in the war in Gaza and for the recognition of a Palestinian state. However, these views are not widely held in Israel, and the push for coexistence and a two-state solution faces significant opposition. Muhammad Abu Qwaider acknowledges the challenges in achieving peace and coexistence in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict but remains hopeful for a resolution in the future.
