Disqualification returns to the table: petition filed to the High Court against Otzma Yehudit

The Democrats party has petitioned the High Court of Justice against the decision of the Central Elections Committee, demanding the disqualification of the Otzma Yehudit list, headed by Minister Itamar Ben Gvir and MK Tali Gottlieb, from running in the elections. The petition, filed through attorney Omri Shegev, is based on two main grounds: denial of Israel's existence as a democratic state and incitement to racism.

The Democrats party, led by Yair Golan, petitioned the High Court of Justice today (Tuesday) demanding the cancellation of the Central Elections Committee's decision and ordering the immediate disqualification of the Otzma Yehudit list and its leaders, National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir and Member of Knesset Tali Gottlieb, from running in the Knesset elections. The petition, filed through the party's legal advisor Attorney Omri Shegev, is based on two main grounds: denial of the State of Israel's existence as a democratic state and incitement to racism. The petition claims there is a systematic exploitation of governmental power and ministerial offices to harm the rule of law, the separation of powers, and civil rights, relying on previous determinations by the Attorney General and the State Attorney. Among the evidence mentioned: Ben Gvir's political interference in police work, Gottlieb's involvement in events at the Beit Lid base, the indictment against her for publishing the identity of a Shin Bet employee, providing backing to those convicted of nationalist offenses, and the publication of "Plan 710." Chairman of the Democrats, Yair Golan, said that "Ben Gvir is a racist Kahanist and a criminal convicted of incitement to racism and support for a terrorist organization." The party noted that the appeal to the High Court follows their position in the Elections Committee, where they also opposed the disqualification of the Arab lists.