Ex-Ministers Seek to Disqualify Otzma Yehudit Party Over Racism Claims

Former ministers Moshe Ya'alon and Omer Bar-Lev, along with the "Zulat for Equality and Human Rights" organization, have submitted a request to disqualify the Otzma Yehudit party from participating in elections. The request was revealed by Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir during an interview on "Ha'Ulpan Ha'Patuach" on Channel 14.

According to Ben-Gvir, the disqualification request was received shortly before the interview. He stated that the petitioners claim the party should be disqualified due to racism and harm to the democratic regime. Ben-Gvir asserted that his opponents "are afraid" of his continued influence and the "revolution" he initiated, particularly citing his past actions as police minister.

Otzma Yehudit vehemently attacked the move, characterizing it as an attempt to prevent Ben-Gvir's continued activity in the next government. The party's statement declared, "After what Minister Ben-Gvir did in the last term, they fear one thing: that he will continue with all his might what he did in the next term as well."

The party highlighted Ben-Gvir's actions during his tenure, including reforms in prisons, arming civilians, establishing emergency response teams, demolishing illegal construction in the Negev, combating extortion and polygamy, and his work in the police, prison service, and regarding the Temple Mount.

Otzma Yehudit concluded, "The dream of Omer Bar-Lev and Bogi Ya'alon is to see Itamar Ben-Gvir take his hands off the wheel. We have news for them: it will not happen."