Ben-Gvir Confronts Balad Supporters Outside Supreme Court Over Knesset Candidacy

National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir clashed with supporters of the Balad party outside the Supreme Court on Thursday. The confrontation occurred before a hearing on the disqualification of Balad MK Sami Abed al-Rahman, who is seeking to run for the Knesset. Ben-Gvir, representing his Otzma Yehudit party, arrived to argue for Abed al-Rahman's disqualification.

During the altercation, Ben-Gvir called the protesters "terror supporters" and told them to leave. He later issued a statement asserting that he was representing the victims of the October 7th attacks. "October 7th did not distinguish between right and left, between religious and secular. They wanted to murder, rape, and slaughter us all," Ben-Gvir stated.

Ben-Gvir argued that Abed al-Rahman supported the October 7th massacre and has consistently failed to condemn terrorism. He specifically cited Abed al-Rahman's statements regarding the killing of civilians, suggesting that while he claims to be against it, his actions and words indicate support for violence against soldiers and observers. "Terror supporters belong in jail, not the Knesset," Ben-Gvir declared.

He further contended that Abed al-Rahman, along with other members of parties like Hadash, Ra'am, and the Joint List, should be disqualified from running for the Knesset. Ben-Gvir expressed hope that the Supreme Court justices would heed his arguments and the will of the Israeli people, emphasizing that Abed al-Rahman is the clearest case for disqualification.

The hearing is set to determine whether Abed al-Rahman will be allowed to run in the upcoming elections.