Petition Seeks to Disqualify Ben-Gvir, Jewish Power Party from Elections

A petition has been filed with the Central Elections Committee requesting the disqualification of the Jewish Power party and its candidates, including Itamar Ben-Gvir, from running in the upcoming 26th Knesset elections. The petition was submitted by the "Zulat" Institute for Equality and Human Rights, along with prominent figures such as former Defense Minister Moshe Ya'alon, former Public Security Minister Omer Barlev, and former MK Zehava Galon.

The petitioners argue that the party and its candidates are inciting racism and acting against the foundations of Israel's democratic regime. They specifically seek to disqualify Ben-Gvir, Tali Gottlieb, Limor Son Har Melech, and Hanamel Dorfman individually, while also preventing the entire party list from competing.

The request is based on Section 7a of the Basic Law: The Knesset, which allows for the disqualification of candidates or lists that incite racism or deny the existence of the State of Israel as a Jewish and democratic state. The petitioners contend that Ben-Gvir, Son Har Melech, Dorfman, and the Jewish Power party are successors to the Kach movement, promoting a worldview that seeks to exclude Arab citizens, harm their rights, and deny them equality and dignity, thereby fostering hatred, racism, and violence.

The petition also addresses Tali Gottlieb, claiming her positions go beyond criticism of the justice system to a fundamental rejection of judicial authority and the obligation to obey court rulings, which could undermine the rule of law and separation of powers. Lawyer Gilad Barnea stated that the Elections Committee cannot allow those who incite racism and undermine democracy to enter the Knesset.

The petitioners have requested that the Elections Committee hear the respondents' replies and consider the Attorney General's position before making a decision to disqualify the candidates and the Jewish Power list.