Arab parties barred from Israel’s elections but not the far right

Israel's Central Elections Committee concluded hearings on motions to disqualify politicians and political parties from the upcoming elections. The majority of decisions barred Arab politicians and one far-left Jewish politician, while other parties, including coalition parties and a Zionist center-left party, were cleared. Coalition parties, which often advocate for the destruction and resettlement of Gaza, were not barred.

Opposition parties largely supported the bans, though they may have needed the banned Arab parties to form an opposition government. The banned parties, such as the United Arab List and Joint List, were disqualified due to accusations of rejecting Israel as a Jewish and democratic state, supporting armed struggle, and inciting racism.

Despite rejecting these grounds, the banned parties will not participate in the election. The Supreme Court may overturn the committee's decisions, but the case against Sami Abu Shehadeh was supported by a Supreme Court judge on the CEC, highlighting the unusual consensus. Adalah, a legal and human rights organization, called the hearings "arbitrary, inciting, and racist" and a "legitimate political process aimed at persecuting ideas the majority does not accept."

Political analyst Ofer Cassif, banned from running, warned that the far-right intends to rule permanently if they expel Arab parties from the Knesset.