Election Committee Rejects Bid to Disqualify Religious Zionist Party

The Elections Committee has rejected a request by the Democrats party to disqualify the Religious Zionist and Identity parties from running in the upcoming elections. The request, filed under Section 7a of the Knesset Basic Law, alleged that the joint list violated the law by denying the existence of Israel as a Jewish and democratic state and by inciting racism.

During the committee's discussion on Thursday, a heated exchange occurred between the committee's deputy chairman, MK Erez Malul of the Shas party, and attorney Barnea, who represented the petitioners. Malul accused the petitioners of attempting to dismantle anything that did not align with their views, stating, "You are trying to dismantle everything that is not to your liking, and today it is the Religious Zionists." He further criticized Barnea's arguments, referencing a past statement allegedly made by Barnea in court, "We will dismantle the world of Torah." Malul asserted that greater forces had failed to destroy the world of Torah and urged Barnea to focus on legal matters rather than populism, hatred, and polarization.

Malul also addressed the Shas party, emphasizing the unity and coexistence of Torah scholars and public servants within the party, and declared that the petitioners would not succeed in dividing them.

Ultimately, the committee voted 21 to 3 against disqualifying the list, allowing the Religious Zionist and Identity parties to participate in the elections. The decision means the parties will proceed with their campaigns as planned.