Democrats Party Seeks to Disqualify Jewish Power from Knesset Election
Translated & summarized from JDN by baba
The "Democrats" party has petitioned Israel's Central Elections Committee to disqualify the "Otzma Yehudit" party and its candidates from the upcoming Knesset elections, citing grounds of denying Israel's existence as a Jewish and democratic state and incitement to racism. Otzma Yehudit has vehemently denied the accusations, labeling the "Democrats" as anti-Semitic and anti-Israel.
The story in 4 lines · by baba
- Democrats party petitions to disqualify Otzma Yehudit from Knesset elections.
- Petition cites denial of Israel's Jewish/democratic nature and racism.
- Otzma Yehudit leaders Ben-Gvir and Gottlieb are specifically named.
- Otzma Yehudit calls the Democrats anti-Semitic and anti-Israel.
The "Democrats" party has filed a formal petition with the Central Elections Committee demanding the disqualification of the "Otzma Yehudit" (Jewish Power) party and its eight candidates from running in the 26th Knesset elections. The petition, submitted by the party's legal counsel, Attorney Omri Segev, cites two main grounds from the Knesset Basic Law: denial of the existence of the State of Israel as a Jewish and democratic state, and incitement to racism.
The "Democrats" argue that Otzma Yehudit representatives systematically work to undermine the rule of law and national security. The petition claims seven of the party's candidates have been involved in racist statements and actions, including public support for individuals convicted of racist offenses, calls to harm the livelihoods of Arab citizens, and identification with the "Kach" movement, which was previously disqualified from running.
The petition specifically targets party leader, Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, alleging a consistent ideological trajectory from past convictions to using governmental authority against legal directives, undermining police independence, and disregarding Supreme Court rulings. It also addresses MK Tali Gottlieb, citing her conduct, statements, and calls to storm military bases, harm "gatekeepers," and expose classified Shin Bet information, an incident that led to legal proceedings for revealing confidential data.
Omer Lubaton Granot, CEO of the "Democrats," stated upon filing the petition, "A democracy that wants to live must defend itself against forces that seek to use the tools it provides to harm it from within. We call on the Central Elections Committee to draw a clear red line and disqualify the list from running."
Otzma Yehudit responded to the petition, calling the "Democrats" an "anti-Semitic, anti-Israel party." They alleged that the "Democrats" leader stated IDF soldiers kill babies as a hobby, that party members supported draft refusal before October 7th, provided legal representation to terrorists, and recently supported an anti-Semitic incitement video against the IDF, calling the party's presence in the Knesset a "stain of disgrace" on Israel.
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