Likud Files Official Request to Disqualify Ra'am Party from Knesset Elections

The Likud party submitted an official request to the Central Elections Committee on Monday, seeking to disqualify the Ra'am party from participating in the upcoming 26th Knesset elections. The request cites Section 7a of the Knesset Basic Law, primarily arguing that Ra'am's statements and activities demonstrate a denial of Israel's existence as a Jewish and democratic state, and allege support for armed struggle by a terror organization against the country.

The submitted document extensively details the connection between Ra'am and the Islamic Movement, from which the party emerged, asserting that the party's ideological stance continues to underpin its activities. The request also raises claims regarding alleged ties between the "Siyua 48" association and individuals identified with Hamas. Likud contends that the moderate public messages presented by Ra'am's leadership to the Israeli public are insufficient grounds to overlook these issues.

This move by Likud follows a similar petition recently filed by the Otzma Yehudit party, led by Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, which also called for the disqualification of Ra'am and its chairman, Mansour Abbas, on the same legal grounds.