Ben-Gvir Files to Disqualify Democrats From Knesset Race

Otzma Yehudit and National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir have filed a petition with the Central Elections Committee seeking to disqualify the Democrats party, led by Yair Golan, from competing in the upcoming 26th Knesset elections.

The petition invokes Section 7A of Basic Law: The Knesset and rests on two grounds for disqualification: incitement to racism and denial of Israel's existence as a Jewish and democratic state. The petitioners base their claims on a series of statements made by Golan and other candidates on the Democrats slate.

Among the examples cited, the petition notes that Golan referred to settlers in Samaria as "subhuman" and described the haredi public as a "parasitic population." The filing also references Golan's positions on employment, taxation, core curriculum studies, and secularization as part of the allegations regarding his attitude toward the haredi community.

Another claim in the petition accuses the Democrats of working against freedom of expression and the press, particularly targeting Channel 14. The petitioners point out that Golan declared he would act to shut down the channel, and that Tomer Avital, a candidate on the list, presented a plan aimed at "crushing Channel 14 in the next term."

The petition further alleges that during protests against judicial reform in 2024, Golan called for "civil disobedience," including refusal to report for reserve duty until the government was replaced. The filing also references statements by other Democrats candidates regarding refusal of orders and non-appearance for reserve service.

In its conclusion, Otzma Yehudit argues that the totality of statements and actions it has presented should be examined as a whole. According to the petition, their accumulation creates a "critical mass" that justifies disqualifying the list from competing in the Knesset elections.