Jewish Power Party Seeks to Disqualify Arab MK for Praising Hamas Attack

The far-right Jewish Power party has submitted a request to disqualify Sami Abed al-Rahman, chairman of the Balad party and a member of the Knesset, from running in elections. The party accuses Abed al-Rahman of praising terrorists, supporting convicted terrorists, justifying the May 2021 riots, and working to undermine Israel's Jewish character.

According to Jewish Power, on October 8, 2023, Abed al-Rahman referred to the Hamas attack as a "historically important event militarily, politically, and strategically." He allegedly wrote, "If little, besieged Gaza was able to do this, others can do it more effectively and simply." The party also claims he called Gaza's stand an "epic achievement" and Hamas terrorists "resistance fighters."

The request to disqualify Abed al-Rahman is based on these statements, which Jewish Power argues violate Israeli law prohibiting incitement and support for terrorism. The Central Elections Committee will likely review the petition.