Yisrael Beiteinu Backs Disqualification of Arab Parties, MKs

Avigdor Lieberman's Yisrael Beiteinu party announced its support for disqualifying the United Arab List, the Joint List, MK Ofer Cassif, and Sami Abu Shehadeh from the upcoming Knesset elections. The party stated that any future Zionist government must prioritize eliminating Hamas, and any party opposing this has no place in the Knesset. This declaration follows a meeting between Lieberman and Benny Gantz's "Yachad" party leader, Gadi Eisenkot. Analysts suggest this move effectively closes the door on potential partnerships with the United Arab List after the elections.

The Central Elections Committee is currently reviewing disqualification requests for parties and candidates. The committee, headed by Supreme Court Justice Noam Sohlberg, will convene over two days, Wednesday and Thursday, to examine the submitted petitions. Wednesday's session runs from 9 AM to 8:30 PM, and Thursday's from 9 AM to 5 PM.

Several disqualification requests have been filed. The United Arab List faces petitions from Otzma Yehudit, Likud, and the Liberal National Movement. Otzma Yehudit itself is targeted by petitions from the Democrats party and the Zulat Institute for Equality and Human Rights. Additionally, Otzma Yehudit seeks to disqualify the Democrats party led by Yair Golan, while the Zulat Institute wants to disqualify the Religious Zionism party led by Bezalel Smotrich. The National Democratic Assembly faces a disqualification bid from the "Orot Ha'shachar" party. Likud has petitioned to disqualify the Joint List and its candidate Ofer Cassif, and Otzma Yehudit has requested the disqualification of Sami Abu Shehadeh.