Joint List Rejects Disqualification Bids, Cites 'Attempt to Silence Arab Voice'

The Joint List has responded to petitions seeking its disqualification from the upcoming Knesset elections, denouncing the move as "anti-democratic and cowardly" and an attempt to "silence the voice of the Arab community" and undermine their right to vote and run for office. The list characterized the petitions as part of a "political persecution and a racist attempt to undermine Arab representation."

In its official statement, the Joint List affirmed its commitment to increasing voter turnout and working to replace the current government led by Benjamin Netanyahu, Itamar Ben-Gvir, and Bezalel Smotrich, while pursuing the legal challenges against the disqualification requests. The list argues that the petitions go beyond political disagreement, aiming to influence the presence of the Arab community in the electoral process.

The legal response comes as proceedings continue regarding attempts to ban several lists and candidates from the upcoming Knesset elections. Recent reports indicate that the Adalah Center is representing the Joint List in these matters before the relevant electoral and judicial bodies. The Joint List maintains its right to participate in the elections and will confront the disqualification bids through legal channels, alongside its ongoing preparations for the elections.

Joint List head, Professor Yousef Jabareen, linked the disqualification requests to the political landscape, suggesting that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu fears losing power and recognizes the Joint List's political significance. Jabareen called for broad Arab and Jewish democratic participation in the October 27 elections and stressed the list's determination to boost electoral engagement and not back down from the disqualification efforts. The Joint List, comprising the Democratic Front for Peace and Equality (Hadash), Ta'al, and the National Democratic Alliance (Balad), is led by Jabareen, followed by Ahmad Tibi and Sami Abu Shehadeh.

MK Ahmad Tibi commented that "those who cannot defeat the Arab voice at the ballot box try to erase it from the ballot paper." Sami Abu Shehadeh stated that his party offers an alternative based on "equality and dignified life for both peoples." The Central Elections Committee is expected to review the disqualification requests in the coming days, marking a new legal phase as the involved lists prepare their defenses.