Israeli Minister Demands Disqualification of 'The Democrats' Party

National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, representing the Otzma Yehudit party, has submitted a request to the Central Elections Committee to disqualify the "The Democrats" party, led by Yair Golan, from running in the 26th Knesset elections. The request, filed on Monday, cites two grounds for disqualification under Israeli law: incitement to racism and denial of Israel's existence as a Jewish and democratic state.

Ben-Gvir's petition is based on a series of statements made by Golan and other candidates on the party's list. Specifically, the request highlights Golan's alleged labeling of settlers in Homesh as "subhuman" and his description of the Haredi (ultra-Orthodox) public as a "parasitic population." The petition also references Golan's stances on labor, taxation, core curriculum studies, and secularism as further evidence of his alleged negative attitude towards the Haredi community.

Furthermore, the disqualification request accuses "The Democrats" of acting against freedom of speech and the press, particularly targeting Channel 14. It states that Golan has declared his intention to shut down the channel, and that candidate Tomer Avital has outlined a plan to "crush Channel 14 in the next term." The petition also points to Golan's calls for "civil disobedience" during anti-judicial reform protests in 2024, including urging reservists not to report for duty until the government is replaced.

Statements from other candidates on "The Democrats" list regarding refusal to obey orders and not reporting for reserve duty are also included in the petition. Otzma Yehudit argues that the cumulative effect of these statements and actions constitutes a "critical mass" that justifies disqualifying the party from participating in the upcoming Knesset elections.