Knesset Election Committee Bans Joint List, Arab List, and MKs

The Knesset Central Elections Committee voted on Wednesday, September 23, 2026, to disqualify the Joint List from participating in the upcoming 26th Knesset elections. The decision, made by a majority vote, followed petitions submitted by right-wing parties, including the Likud party. These parties accused the Joint List of denying the state's Jewish character and supporting hostile entities.

The committee's decision also encompassed the United Arab List, the head of the Balad party Sami Abu Shehadeh, and MK Ofer Cassif. This move is part of a series of disqualifications approved by the committee during the same session, all stemming from petitions filed ahead of the 26th Knesset elections.

The Joint List has condemned the committee's decision, labeling it "political and vindictive." The party announced its immediate intention to appeal to the Israeli Supreme Court to overturn the disqualification and allow its participation in the elections.

Decisions made by the Elections Committee are not final and are subject to automatic review by the Supreme Court. The Supreme Court has previously overturned such disqualifications due to insufficient legal evidence. The path to the Supreme Court is the next step for the Joint List, with its participation in the elections now contingent on the court's ruling on the anticipated appeal.