Ra'am Party Faces Disqualification Hearing Amid Accusations of Extremism

The Central Elections Committee convened for its third hearing on a petition to disqualify the Ra'am party, filed by Otzma Yehudit, the Likud, and the 'Vochrim BaChaim' Forum. MK Tali Gottlieb of the Likud presented arguments, accusing Ra'am leader Mansour Abbas of duplicity, stating he says one thing in Arabic and another in Hebrew. Gottlieb claimed Abbas disconnects from the Shura Council in Arabic statements for a better reception among "Jews," and linked Ra'am to the Muslim Brotherhood, an organization designated as terrorist by many countries. She warned that Ra'am's entry into parliaments would lead to the establishment of Sharia law, asserting that the issue is not with Arabs but with Jews being in Israel. Attorney Jabarin, representing Ra'am, countered that the party has existed since 1996 and has always been approved by the Supreme Court on appeal, noting that the committee itself approved Ra'am in the previous elections.

Further accusations against Ra'am included its alleged affiliation with the Islamic Movement and its "two-faced" nature, likened to a Trojan horse. A report from the Ministry of Justice was cited, allegedly showing a close link between the "Siyua' 48" (Aid 48) association and support for terrorist organizations. Attorneys representing the petitioners argued that Ra'am and associated charities like "Al-Aqsa" and "Humanitarian Deeds" are political arms of the Islamic Movement, aiming to undermine the Jewish state. They also pointed to old statements by Abbas, including one where he described a martyr's death in a way that seemed to glorify sacrifice for the land, and another where he referred to Ahmad Yassin as a martyr. Concerns were raised about funding potentially reaching Hamas, though Abbas stated funds are accounted for and go to orphans in Gaza.

Representing the Attorney General's office, attorney Anat Goldstein stated that Ra'am is a long-standing Knesset list that has been reviewed and not disqualified previously. She noted that the alleged actions of the associated charities were not directly examined as the petition focused on Ra'am itself. Goldstein emphasized the need for significant evidence to disqualify a list and found no current link attributing the charities' actions to Ra'am. She added that Abbas has not made statements supporting armed struggle against Israel and, in fact, recognizes the country's Jewish character. The party's platform was also previously reviewed and not disqualified.

Ra'am's Secretary-General, attorney Dahamsha, denied organizational ties between the Islamic Movement and the Muslim Brotherhood or the mentioned charities, framing the disqualification attempt as a political maneuver. He proudly noted that retired Police Commissioner Yoav Seglovitz is now part of the party. Dror Morg of the World Zionist Organization called the effort an "existential struggle" against those dismantling democracy from within, while acknowledging Abbas's legitimacy and his participation in a coalition with Zionist parties. However, MK Rotman cited Abbas's past statements about martyrs and his alleged connection to the Shura Council, the Islamic Movement's governing body, through the CEO of "Siyua 48." MK Amit Halevy compared the situation to murder, arguing that the party embraces violence and barbarism, and that the Supreme Court fails to grasp this. The article also notes that Abbas has not condemned Hamas, citing threats he receives. A 2021 speech in Hebrew about integrating Arab society in Israel was contrasted with a speech in Arabic that invoked the Nakba and Palestinian identity.

Three votes were held within the committee regarding Ra'am's disqualification: for denying Israel as a Jewish state, for incitement to racism, and for supporting armed struggle against the state. In all votes, the result was 18 committee members in favor, 5 against, and one abstention. The decision has been forwarded to the Supreme Court.