MK Avichai Boaron Seeks to Disqualify Ofer Cassif from Knesset Elections Over Anti-Israel Statements

MK Avichai Boaron has formally petitioned the chairman of the Central Elections Committee, Judge Noam Solberg, to disqualify MK Ofer Cassif from running in the 26th Knesset elections. Boaron's request is based on Section 7A of the Basic Law: The Knesset, citing a series of statements and actions by Cassif that allegedly justify barring his candidacy. The petition follows revelations aired on Channel 14 exposing Cassif's remarks supporting attacks against Israelis, legitimizing opposition to IDF soldiers, backing legal actions against Israel at the International Criminal Court, and calls for boycotts of Israel. Boaron also referenced footage showing Cassif verbally abusing a reserve soldier.

Boaron emphasized that Cassif's conduct is not isolated or mere political disagreement but a prolonged pattern that crosses red lines by endorsing violence against Israeli soldiers and opposing the state internationally. He argued that holding a political position does not grant the right to support armed struggle against Israel or legitimize harm to its soldiers. Boaron noted that a previous attempt to disqualify Cassif before the 2019 elections was overturned by the Supreme Court, but claimed the current evidence is more substantial, especially following the events of October 7 and the subsequent war.

Boaron, who previously sought to expel MK Ayman Odeh on similar grounds, vowed to pursue the disqualification process vigorously. He criticized members of the Knesset who opposed Odeh's removal and declared that the Knesset should not be a refuge for supporters of terrorism. The petition is currently under consideration by the Central Elections Committee ahead of the upcoming elections.