Parties Vie to Disqualify Rivals Ahead of Israeli Elections

As Israeli parties finalize their Knesset lists for the 26th Knesset, the election campaign enters a new phase focused on disqualifying candidates. With 43 days until election day, the Central Elections Committee has received 10 requests to disqualify parties and candidates from across the political spectrum.

Otzma Yehudit has requested the disqualification of Ra'am and its leader Mansour Abbas, labeling them "terror supporters." The party also seeks to disqualify the Democrats party, led by Yair Golan. The Likud party has filed requests against the Joint List and Ra'am, stating that "there is no place in the Knesset for those who harm IDF soldiers and cannot say that Hamas and Hezbollah are terrorist organizations."

From the opposition, Yisrael Beiteinu has acted against Ofer Cassif of the Democrats, citing his statements and actions. The Democrats, in turn, have requested the disqualification of Otzma Yehudit and its candidates. Additionally, private citizens have submitted petitions, including Uri Bechor's demand to disqualify the Religious Zionism and Identity lists.

These disqualification requests are based on Israel's Basic Law: The Knesset, which allows for barring candidates or lists that deny Israel's existence as a Jewish and democratic state, incite racism, or support an armed struggle by an enemy state or terror organization against Israel.

The Central Elections Committee will make a decision on these petitions. Any candidate or party disqualified by the committee can appeal to the Supreme Court, which holds the final authority in the process.