Israel clears Jewish supremacist party to contest election

Israel has approved a far-right Kahanist party, "A Whole and Strong Jewish Israel," to contest the upcoming October election, following a reversal by Shin Bet chief David Zini. Shin Bet initially recommended barring the party, citing intelligence that Baruch Marzel and Michael Ben Ari, both associated with ultranationalist Kach movement ideology, effectively controlled it despite not being listed as founders. Ben Ari previously chaired the Jewish Power party. The Kach movement, founded by Rabbi Meir Kahane, advocates Jewish supremacy, annexation of Palestinian territory, and ethnic cleansing, and has been designated a terrorist organization by Israel and other governments due to its involvement in violent extremist attacks.