Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu rejected at the Cabinet meeting on Sunday morning criticism of his remarks against the Israeli-Arab community made at the site of the Tel Aviv shooting attack.
At the site on Saturday night, Netanyahu said he was unwilling to accept a lawless state inside of Israel, referring to ongoing Arab violence and incitement.
According to Netanyahu, the government is "making a very large effort to ensure Israel is a state under unified law," noting that "I am not impressed by criticism in this regard. This is right for all citizens of Israel – Arabs and Jews alike."
"Law enforcement is the lifeblood of democracy, of the rule of law. We do not limit to one community or focus on one community," he continued. "This morning, we filed indictments against the two suspects behind Duma."
"We oppose all murder, we are against violence wherever it is and violations of state law wherever they may occur," Netanyahu stressed. "We are a state of law and we will enforce the law throughout the State of Israel and vis-à-vis all citizens of Israel."
Netanyahu stated that when the government was formed he had tasked both the internal security minister and police commissioner with strengthening law enforcement in Arab communities.
"Arab citizens are suffering from rising crime, and all Israeli citizens suffer from incitement and violence that is both criminal and nationalistic. This effort is real and we decided to make a change in law enforcement," Netanyahu stated.
Netanyahu also emphasized that "activity will increase" to handle incitement inside mosques, on social media and inside the Arab education system.
In the meantime, the Prime Minister noted security forces "are continuing to search for the Tel Aviv murderer. A major effort in the field is being made by many forces; there are continuous intelligence efforts."
"This effort is also being made with the assistance of Israeli civilians who are showing awareness and responsibility," he concluded.