Arab Parties Denounce Israeli Minister's Bid to Disqualify Rival List

The Joint List, an alliance of Arab political parties in Israel, has strongly condemned a request by National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir to disqualify the United Arab List (UAL) from participating in elections. The Joint List characterized Ben-Gvir's move as a "blatant assault" on the right of Arab citizens to political representation and an attempt to undermine their democratic will.

In a statement released Wednesday, the Joint List emphasized that regardless of any political or electoral disagreements with the UAL, it is a national and moral imperative to unite against "fascist attempts" to infringe upon the rights and political representation of the Arab community. They asserted that any effort to exclude a political force representing Arab society from the political arena must be rejected.

The Joint List pointed out the "bitter irony" of such a request coming from a minister previously convicted of supporting a terrorist organization and inciting racism. They argued that the presence of individuals like Ben-Gvir in high government positions has embedded this "fascist and racist approach" into Israeli policy.

Despite their own preference for a unified Arab political front, the Joint List stated that their current duty is to stand together against the government of Ben-Gvir, Bezalel Smotrich, and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. They stressed the need to set aside political differences when confronting attempts at exclusion and suppression of rights.

The Joint List concluded by asserting that countering such exclusionary tactics requires strengthening the political presence of Arab citizens and democratic Jewish forces through voting, thereby thwarting the "fascists" seeking to weaken their representation. They expressed confidence that a "joint force" can achieve change.