Knesset Election Committee Bans Arab Lists, MKs from Running

The Knesset Central Elections Committee voted on Wednesday to disqualify the United Arab List, led by Mansour Abbas, from participating in the upcoming 26th Knesset elections. The committee also voted to ban Sami Abu Shehadeh, head of the National Democratic Alliance, and MK Ofer Cassif of the Hadash party from running. The decision to disqualify Abu Shehadeh passed with 31 votes in favor and 4 against. The vote to disqualify Cassif was 19 in favor and 5 against, with two abstentions.

The United Arab List intends to appeal the committee's decision to the Supreme Court, seeking to overturn the disqualification. The committee's decisions are subject to review by the Supreme Court, which will make the final ruling on whether the lists and candidates are permitted to participate in the elections.