Arab parties in the Israeli government's crosshairs

A few weeks before the legislative elections, the government is trying everything it can to stay in power. Banning participation in the elections would set a precedent if it is upheld.

On Wednesday, Israel’s Central Elections Committee voted to disqualify two Arab lists, as well as two candidates representing them, from participating in the elections, set for Oct. 27. The move could discourage any alliance with these groups, which could have been crucial to forming a government coalition without the ultra-Orthodox parties.The disqualification still needs to be approved by the Supreme Court. The lists can appeal, and individual cases must also be approved by the country’s highest judicial authority. Previous attempts to exclude Arab parties from elections have failed. But this time, the situation could be different, with former lawmaker and Balad party leader Sami Abu Shehadeh facing possible disqualification. Such a ruling could set a precedent in Israeli politics.Throwing obstacles in the path of the oppositionThe...

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