Strategic Assessment

Against the background of the increase in the number of Arabs volunteering for civilian service, the article examines what lies behind the opposition to the program among the Arab public, especially its political leaders, since the establishment of the Authority for National-Civic Service in 2007. This sharp opposition seems surprising, given that civilian service for Arabs is completely voluntary, takes place mostly within the Arab community, and contributes to both the community and the volunteers themselves. As such, the widespread opposition is liable to sharpen the conflict between the state institutions and the Arab population. Looking to the future, therefore, the article discusses whether an alternative model for civilian service might lessen the opposition and encourage greater participation from the Arab public.