Feiglin and Ben-Gvir Clash Over Disqualification of Arab Parties

Moshe Feiglin, chairman of the Zehut party, has voiced opposition to the disqualification of Arab parties and candidates from running in the Knesset elections, arguing that even those convicted of incitement or rebellion should retain their right to be elected. This stance comes amid requests to disqualify Balad chairman Sami Abu Shehadeh, the Ra'am party, and other Arab parties.

Feiglin stated on his X account that the idea of disqualifying candidates and lists is incompatible with basic democratic principles. He believes that illegal speech should be addressed by law, but the law should not include the punishment of revoking the right to vote or be elected. "Someone accused of incitement or rebellion (like myself), let him be honored and sit in jail, but even from there, he retains the right to offer his candidacy," Feiglin added.

Otzma Yehudit chairman and Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir sharply rejected Feiglin's position. Ben-Gvir responded, "My friend Moshe Feiglin is mistaken and misleading! Anyone who supports October 7th like Sami Abu Shehadeh must be disqualified, and anyone who supports the murder of soldiers like Ra'am and Sami Abu Shehadeh must be thrown out of the Knesset!"

The controversy highlights a debate within Israeli politics regarding the criteria and justification for disqualifying political entities from electoral participation, particularly when accusations of supporting terrorism or violence are involved.