Democrats Party seeks to bar Ben-Gvir’s faction from Knesset elections

Israel's left-wing Democrats Party has petitioned the Central Elections Committee to disqualify National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir's Otzma Yehudit Party and seven of its candidates from the upcoming October 27 general election. The Democrats allege that Otzma Yehudit denies Israel's existence as a democratic state and incites racism, citing Basic Law: The Knesset. Democrats Director-General Omer Luvaton Granot stated, "A democracy that wishes to survive must defend itself against anti-democratic forces." Ben-Gvir, in response, called the Democrats Party "an antisemitic, anti-Israel party." In turn, Otzma Yehudit filed a petition against the Democrats, accusing them of inciting racism and undermining Israel's democratic existence. Additionally, Otzma Yehudit and Likud sought to disqualify the Ra'am Party, alleging support for Hamas and denial of Israel's Jewish and democratic nature. The Central Elections Committee is expected to rule on these and other disqualification requests.