Who are An Israeli Bedouin? Are they Muslims? Why do they support Israel?

 The Bedouin are traditionally nomadic or semi-nomadic tribes, historically engaged in animal herding and grazing. The term "Bedouin" is used to refer to their nomadic way of life

10

. The Israeli Bedouin, specifically those in the Negev desert, are often referred to as the Negev Bedouin

1

. They are a minority within the Arab minority in Israel

4

.The vast majority of Bedouins, including the Israeli Bedouin, adhere to Islam

5

8

. There are mosques in the official reservation towns where the Bedouin practice their faith

8

.The Israeli Bedouin have a complex relationship with the state of Israel. When Israel was established, all Bedouin living mostly in the Negev were given Israeli citizenship

11

. Many Bedouin have traditionally volunteered to serve in Israel’s defense forces, and they have played a crucial role in the Israeli military, particularly for their tracking ability in the desert

7

. Some Bedouin, like Ishmael Khaldi, who serves in Israel’s foreign ministry, identify as proud Israelis

7

.However, the Bedouin in Israel also face significant challenges. Many live in unrecognized villages and settlements, which lack basic services and infrastructure

3

6

. They have sought recognition for their villages and protection from attacks, but these pleas have often gone unheeded

6

. The Israeli authorities do not recognize them as an indigenous people, which deprives them of specific rights under international law

10

.The Bedouin's support for Israel can be attributed to several factors. One is their service in the Israeli military, which offers a pathway out of poverty

6

. Another is their tribal culture, which is more prominent than nationalistic sentiments. As Ishmael Khaldi, a Bedouin serving in Israel’s foreign ministry, puts it, "The Bedouin are more tribal than nationalistic"

7

. This tribal culture has allowed the Bedouin to survive centuries of hardship

7

.However, it's important to note that the relationship between the Bedouin and Israel is complex and multifaceted, with varying perspectives within the Bedouin community itself. While some Bedouin identify as proud Israelis, others express sentiments of being marginalized and neglected by the state

7

10

.