Otzma Yehudit Files Petition to Disqualify Yair Golan's Democrats Party

The Otzma Yehudit party, led by National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, has filed a petition with the Central Elections Committee seeking to disqualify the "Democrats" party, headed by Yair Golan, from running in the upcoming 26th Knesset elections. This move is a direct response to a similar petition filed by the Democrats earlier the same day against Otzma Yehudit.

Otzma Yehudit's petition cites two main grounds for disqualification: incitement to racism and negation of Israel's existence as a Jewish and democratic state. The party alleges that statements made by Golan and other candidates against the Haredi (ultra-Orthodox) public and settlers constitute a systematic pattern of racism. Specific examples include Golan referring to settlers in Homesh as "sub-humans" in 2022 and calling the Haredi population a "parasitic population" in 2023.

The petition also argues that the Democrats' actions and statements undermine the democratic character of the state. Otzma Yehudit points to the Democrats' efforts against Channel 14, including preventing the channel from covering their primaries and Golan's stated intention to work towards its closure. They also cite statements from candidate Tomer Avital about plans to "crush Channel 14" in the next term.

Furthermore, Otzma Yehudit references Golan's calls for "civil disobedience" in 2024, including urging reservists not to report for duty until the government is replaced. Statements by Omri Ronen, another candidate on the Democrats' list, regarding refusal to report for reserve duty are also mentioned.

The reciprocal disqualification petitions mark an escalating legal battle between the two parties before the Central Elections Committee, with each accusing the other of racism and undermining democratic principles.