Ben Gvir Slams Feiglin Over Election Disqualification Stance

National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir, leader of the Otzma Yehudit party, sharply criticized Moshe Feiglin on Saturday night regarding Feiglin's opposition to disqualifying candidates and lists from running in the Knesset elections. Ben Gvir stated that Feiglin is mistaken and misleading, asserting that anyone supporting the October 7th attacks, like Sami Abu Shehadeh, must be disqualified. He further argued that those who support the murder of soldiers, such as Ra'am and Abu Shehadeh, should be expelled from the Knesset.

Ben Gvir's remarks followed a decision by the Central Elections Committee to disqualify Sami Abu Shehadeh, Ofer Cassif, Ra'am, and the Joint List. However, requests to disqualify Otzma Yehudit, HaDemocratim, and the Religious Zionism-Identity list were rejected. These disqualification decisions are subject to further legal proceedings.

Feiglin had previously published his views on Friday, after the committee rejected the bid to disqualify the Religious Zionism-Identity list, in which he is running alongside Bezalel Smotrich. Feiglin argued that the idea of disqualifying candidates and lists is incompatible with basic democratic principles. He believes that even individuals suspected of offenses like incitement or sedition should be punished under the law, but this should not negate their right to run in elections. Feiglin added that someone accused, like himself, should be imprisoned but retain the right to vote and be elected.