Former Officials Seek to Disqualify MK Zvi Sukkot Over Anti-Terror Legislation

Former Israeli Defense Minister Moshe Ya'alon and former Minister Omer Barlev are among those who have filed a petition with the Central Elections Committee seeking to disqualify MK Zvi Sukkot of the Religious Zionism party from running in the Knesset elections. The petition, submitted by the "Zulat" organization along with Ya'alon, Barlev, and others, also targets Finance Minister and Religious Zionism Chairman Bezalel Smotrich, and Identity Party Chairman Moshe Feiglin.

The petition against Sukkot cites a pattern of conduct and statements that, according to the petitioners, provide grounds for disqualification under Section 7a of the Knesset Basic Law. Specifically, it references Sukkot's legislative efforts, including a bill he advanced in December 2024, titled "Sanctions on Terror Supporters." This bill, which passed its preliminary reading 55-10, aimed to allow sanctions against officials in organizations that transfer funds linked to terrorism, such as entry bans to Israel, asset freezes, and prohibitions on conducting business.

Additionally, Sukkot promoted a Basic Law amendment in 2026 that would create a new disqualification criterion for those who express support for an enemy state during an armed conflict against Israel. The petitioners argue that these actions constitute grounds for disqualification, while the article's framing suggests this is a "leftist frenzy" against legislation targeting terror supporters.

MK Zvi Sukkot responded to the petition, calling the demand for his disqualification a "greatest compliment." He contrasted his legislative work against terror supporters with Ya'alon's alleged damaging statements about IDF soldiers. Sukkot stated, "Whoever thinks they can stop me or silence the public by preventing the Knesset candidacy of their elected officials has likely made a mistake."

It is important to note that the Elections Committee has already dismissed the request to personally disqualify Sukkot, ruling that the preliminary condition of signatures from one-third of the committee members was not met. This decision did not address the merits of the claims against him. The petition to disqualify the entire Religious Zionism party list is still under consideration.