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Israel’s committee bars Ra’am from running in Knesset elections
Ra’am, led by Mansur Abbas, was barred from participating in the Knesset elections on October 27 by an 18–5 vote at Israel’s Central Elections Committee. The decision was based on allegations in petitions filed against the party, while the disqualification rulings are expected to be reviewed by the Supreme Court.
Israel’s Central Elections Committee barred the United Arab List, also known as Ra’am and led by Mansur Abbas, from running in the Knesset elections to be held on October 27.
The committee’s decision passed by 18 votes to 5. Petitions alleging that Ra’am rejects Israel’s character as a Jewish and democratic state, promotes racism, and supports armed struggle against Israel or a terrorist organization’s actions against Israel were accepted as grounds for the decision.
Applications against two candidates also rejected
The committee also barred Ofer Cassif, a Knesset member from the Joint List, from standing by a vote of 19 to 5, with 2 abstentions. A petition against Cassif alleged that he rejects Israel’s existence as a Jewish and democratic state.
The candidacy of Balad leader Sami Abu Shehadeh was also challenged on the grounds that he supports armed struggle against Israel or the actions of a terrorist organization, and his candidacy was barred. Israeli media reported that the committee adopted the decision by a wide majority.
Disqualification rulings subject to Supreme Court review
Israeli election law requires Supreme Court approval to disqualify a candidate from an election. Decisions to remove electoral lists from the race can also be referred to the court.
The petitions also include those filed by National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir’s Otzma Yehudit party and Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu’s Likud party. The Supreme Court is expected to review the disqualification rulings issued ahead of the election.
Ra’am won five seats in the 2022 parliamentary elections. Opinion polls indicate that the party could win the same number of seats or slightly more in the upcoming election.
The role of Arab parties in Israel’s elections
Palestinian Arabs make up approximately 21 percent of Israel’s population. Thirty-eight lists will compete in the elections to be held on October 27. Parties must surpass the electoral threshold to enter the 120-seat Knesset.
At least 61 lawmakers must support a government in the 120-seat parliament for it to be formed. The disqualification rulings came as political debate intensified over the role of Arab parties and candidates in Israel’s electoral system ahead of the election.
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