Feiglin Responds to Disqualification Bid, Cites 'Jewish Nation-State' Debate

Moshe Feiglin, chairman of the Zehut party, responded Tuesday to a petition seeking to disqualify him from running for the Knesset. The petition was filed by the Zulat Institute for Equality and Human Rights, along with former Defense Minister Moshe Ya'alon, former ministers Yael German and Omer Bar-Lev, Professor Frances Raday, and diplomat Yoram Ben-Zeev.

Feiglin thanked the petitioners, stating they "explained to the Israeli public exactly what these elections are about." He framed the core issue as a debate over Israel's fundamental identity: "Is the State of Israel the state of the Jewish people returning from exile, or just another accidental Western democracy in the Middle East becoming a 'state of all its citizens'?" He accused the "architects of that concept" of trying to complete a process initiated by the Oslo Accords, which he claimed led directly to the "disaster of Simchat Torah" (referring to the October 7th attacks).

"I have news for Bogi Ya'alon, Yael German, Omer Bar-Lev, and the other petitioners: I will not retract any of my positions," Feiglin declared. He asserted that they seek to disqualify him because he "dares to state the fundamental principles: the State of Israel was established as the nation-state of the Jewish people, and that is its founding ethos." Feiglin clarified that while Israel is a democracy, it is a tool for the Jewish sovereign, not a replacement for Jewish identity. He distinguished between basic human rights, applicable to all, and national and civil rights reserved for the Jewish people in their land.

Following the October 7th attacks, Feiglin stated he refuses to be silenced and continues to demand "conquest, expulsion, settlement, and victory." He characterized the petitioners as precursors to the "concept that brought disaster upon us," accusing them of advocating for "containment, conflict management, and buying quiet" while in positions of power. He also criticized their alleged support for the "mob violence of 2023," which he claimed involved disregarding state laws and democratic decisions.

Feiglin declared that he would not appeal to the Supreme Court if the Central Elections Committee disqualifies him, stating he would not seek approval from a "political tribunal." However, if his candidacy is approved and the petitioners pursue legal action, he pledged to defend the public's right to choose and his own positions.

Feiglin concluded by stating that if his party, Zehut, is elected, its first legislative act will be to officially amend the state's name to "Israel - the Nation-State of the Jewish People." He framed the struggle not as being about him personally, but about the right of the Jewish majority to determine its fate against a minority that fears the public's decision at the ballot box.