Petition Seeks to Disqualify Smotrich, Feiglin, Sukkot from Knesset Elections

An Israeli NGO, "Zulat - Equality and Human Rights," along with five other petitioners, has filed a request with the Central Elections Committee to disqualify far-right figures Bezalel Smotrich, Moshe Feiglin, and Zvi Sukkot, as well as the Religious Zionism-Identity party list, from running in the upcoming 26th Knesset elections. The petitioners argue that the candidates' and the party's actions and statements meet the legal grounds for disqualification, specifically citing the negation of Israel's democratic character and incitement to racism.

The petition extensively details alleged offenses by Smotrich, referencing his 2017 "Decision Plan" and other past statements. The petitioners claim these demonstrate a discriminatory view between Jews and Palestinians regarding national decision-making, coupled with encouragement of emigration and delegitimization of Arab representation. They emphasize their case is not based on Smotrich's right-wing stance, support for settlements, opposition to a two-state solution, or support for annexation, but rather on a "consistent and ongoing body of statements, positions, and public activity" that they believe crosses political boundaries.

Regarding Feiglin, the petition cites past remarks, including a 2013 interview where he allegedly responded affirmatively to a question about Arabs being "slaves" and Jews being "masters." It also points to a 2024 post titled "The Path to Victory: Conquest, Expulsion, and Settlement," where Feiglin reportedly called Gaza a "Hebrew city" and advocated for war aims of "conquest, expulsion, and settlement."

For Sukkot, the petitioners argue for an examination of the cumulative effect of his actions. They attribute to him a pattern of delegitimizing political opponents and Palestinians, and efforts to restrict political participation for those he deems terror supporters. The petition notes Sukkot's legislative efforts, including a preliminary-approved bill in December 2024 to impose sanctions on those funding terror, and a 2026 proposed basic law to disqualify individuals supporting enemy states during armed conflict.

The petitioners base their request on previous Supreme Court rulings regarding disqualification clauses, which require "clear, unequivocal, and convincing evidence" and a "critical mass" of proof. They assert that the evidence against these three candidates and the party list meets this threshold. MK Sukkot responded, calling the disqualification attempt a "greatest compliment" and accusing former officials like Moshe Ya'alon of harming Israel's image while he works to prevent terror supporters from harming the country. The Elections Committee has already dismissed a request to disqualify Sukkot personally due to insufficient initial support, without ruling on the merits of the claims. The petition to disqualify the Religious Zionism list itself remains under consideration.