Arab Joint List Rejects Bid to Disqualify United List

The Arab Joint List has rejected a request by Itamar Ben-Gvir to disqualify the United List party, stating that such a move constitutes an attempt to undermine Arab political representation. In a statement, the Joint List emphasized that its opposition to the disqualification bid is not tied to existing political and electoral disputes with the United List. Instead, it argued that confronting attempts to harm Arab political representation requires unity and defense of the right to political participation.

The Joint List asserted that political disagreements with the United List do not prevent it from rejecting any effort to exclude a political force representing a segment of Arab society. It stressed that voters' right to choose their representatives should be kept separate from disqualification procedures. The party described its stance as a "national and moral duty," calling for opposition to any measures that would reduce Arab political representation or limit the participation of electoral forces representing sectors of Arab society.

The Joint List views the disqualification request as part of a broader political context, criticizing the rise of figures with what it described as racist stances to decision-making positions. It specifically noted that Ben-Gvir has previously been convicted, according to the statement, of supporting a terrorist organization and inciting racism.

Despite ongoing political differences, the Joint List believes these should not hinder coordination against what it perceives as attempts to exclude Arab political forces. The party had hoped to form a joint list of four factions to unite various active political forces within Arab society, but recent developments have shifted its focus to countering disqualification requests.

The Joint List called on the Arab public and democratic Jewish forces to increase their political presence through broad participation in the elections, viewing voting as the primary means to counter efforts to reduce Arab representation. It urged against withdrawal from the political scene in response to disqualification bids, advocating instead for increased electoral participation and expanded parliamentary presence for forces representing Arab society. The statement concluded by asserting that "the joint force is capable of making change," urging the overcoming of internal differences to confront attempts to weaken Arab political representation. The decision on the United List's disqualification now rests with the relevant electoral authorities.