Far-Right Party Seeks to Disqualify Arab Lawmaker from Knesset

The far-right Otzma Yehudit party, led by National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, has submitted a request to the Central Elections Committee to disqualify Sami Abu Shehadeh, head of the National Democratic Alliance party, from running in the upcoming Knesset elections. Ben-Gvir alleges that Abu Shehadeh published an article following the October 7th Hamas attack praising Hamas fighters, expressing support for Palestinian prisoners, justifying protests during the "Karama Uprising," and seeking to negate Israel's Jewish character. The request cites two grounds under Israeli law: denying Israel as a "Jewish and democratic state" and supporting armed struggle against it.

Ben-Gvir stated that the Supreme Court has repeatedly allowed "supporters of terrorism" to run for the Knesset, contrary to the law, and that it is time for a "systematic and cognitive change" to end their influence. He suggested Abu Shehadeh should join "his comrade Azmi Bishara."

Separately, families of Israeli casualties and the far-right group "Betzalmo" have petitioned to disqualify MK Ofer Cassif, also running on the Joint List. Their petition, supported by 11 members of the Central Elections Committee, claims Cassif has endorsed armed struggle against Israeli soldiers, referred to Palestinian prisoners as "freedom fighters," and advocates for negating Israel's Jewish and democratic nature, canceling the Law of Return, and abolishing the Nation-State Law.

An additional claim against Cassif is his participation in the case against Israel at the International Criminal Court in The Hague, which petitioners argue threatens Israel's security, could lead to an arms embargo, and compromises its ability to defend itself.