Israel’s opposition party The Democrats has petitioned the Central Elections Committee to prevent Itamar Ben-Gvir’s Jewish Power party from participating in the general election on Oct. 27.
The petition argues that Jewish Power promotes racism and weakens democracy, the rule of law and the authority of the judiciary.
The party also alleged that Kahanist lawmakers use their political power and parliamentary immunity to oppose court rulings, challenge the authority of the Supreme Court and promote “violent racism.”
The Central Elections Committee has not yet ruled on the request to bar Jewish Power from participating in the election.
National Security Minister Ben-Gvir rejected the petition. Ben-Gvir accused The Democrats, led by Yair Golan, of being “anti-Jewish” and “anti-Israel.”
The petition was filed several days after political parties in Israel submitted their candidate lists for the election. A total of 38 lists registered for the 120 seats in the Knesset, while recent polls indicate that approximately 13 lists could win seats.
Decisions to ban a candidate or electoral list are subject to review by Israel’s Supreme Court.