Democrats Party Seeks to Disqualify Otzma Yehudit from Elections

The Israeli political party "HaDemocratim" (The Democrats) has filed a petition with the Central Elections Committee to disqualify the "Otzma Yehudit" (Jewish Strength) party and seven of its candidates from running in the upcoming 26th Knesset elections. The petition argues that Otzma Yehudit's activities undermine Israel's existence as a democratic state and that its candidates incite racism.

The Democrats' request is based on two grounds stipulated in Basic Law: The Knesset, the negation of the existence of the State of Israel as a democratic state and incitement to racism. The party contends that these are not isolated incidents but a systematic and ongoing pattern of behavior by Otzma Yehudit's leadership and members. Regarding the first ground, the petition claims that Otzma Yehudit members, particularly leader Itamar Ben-Gvir, act against key pillars of the democratic system: the rule of law, human and civil rights, and the separation of powers. The Democrats emphasize that their claim is supported not only by political interpretation but also by rulings from the Supreme Court and legal advisors to the government.

A significant portion of the petition focuses on Itamar Ben-Gvir, citing a series of events since he became National Security Minister that allegedly demonstrate overreach and interference in police work. These include alleged interventions in protests, appointments, and enforcement procedures, as well as legal rulings issued during his tenure. Concerning the incitement to racism claim, the Democrats point to actions and statements by seven of the party's candidates. The petition mentions, among other things, public support for an individual convicted of murdering the three members of the Dawabsheh family and identification with the Kach movement, which was previously disqualified from running for the Knesset. The Democrats stress that the evidence pertains to senior candidates, including ministers and current Knesset members.

Knesset member Tali Gottlieb is also a focus of the petition, with the Democrats alleging her conduct reflects a pattern of disregarding the authority of courts and law enforcement. The petition cites an instance where Gottlieb reportedly claimed court orders did not apply to her due to parliamentary immunity.

In response, Otzma Yehudit stated, "The Democrats party is an anti-Semitic, anti-Israel party. Its leader is a person who said IDF soldiers kill babies as a hobby, members of this party led the refusal to serve in the IDF before October 7th, provided legal representation to terrorists, and just today supported an anti-Semitic incitement video against the IDF. The fact that such a party is a member of the Knesset is a mark of disgrace for the State of Israel."