Petition Seeks to Disqualify Otzma Yehudit Party from Knesset Elections

A petition has been filed with the Central Elections Committee requesting the disqualification of the Otzma Yehudit party and several of its candidates from the upcoming 26th Knesset elections. The request was submitted by the Zulat Institute for Equality and Human Rights, along with prominent figures including former Defense Minister Moshe Ya'alon, former Public Security Minister Omer Bar-Lev, former MK Zehava Galon, Professor Frances Raday, former Minister Yael German, and diplomat Yoram Ben-Zeev.

The petitioners, represented by attorney Gilad Barnea, argue that the party and its candidates, including Itamar Ben-Gvir, Tali Gottlieb, Limor Son Har-Melech, and Hanamiel Dorfman, are acting against Israel's democratic foundations and systematically inciting racism. They claim Otzma Yehudit is a continuation of the banned Kach movement, promoting a vision that marginalizes Arab citizens, denies their rights, and asserts Jewish supremacy, thereby fueling animosity, racism, and violence.

The petition also specifically targets Tali Gottlieb, alleging her rhetoric goes beyond criticizing the judiciary to undermining the court's authority and the obligation to comply with its rulings. The petitioners contend that her stance aims to dismantle the rule of law, weaken the separation of powers, and grant unchecked power to the majority.

Attorney Barnea stated that the Elections Committee must not allow those who incite racism and undermine democracy to enter the Knesset. The petitioners are urging the committee to consider the responses of the involved parties and the Attorney General's stance before deciding to disqualify Otzma Yehudit from the upcoming elections.