Israel’s Supreme Court hears appeals by Arab candidates barred from Knesset elections

Supreme Court convenes 9-judge panel to hear cases involving disqualification of Arab candidates and lists

Israel’s Supreme Court on Thursday began hearing appeals against the disqualification of Arab electoral lists and candidates from the upcoming Israeli parliamentary elections. According to an Anadolu correspondent, the Supreme Court in West Jerusalem convened a nine-judge panel to hear cases involving the disqualification of Arab candidates and electoral lists. Arab lawmakers and their supporters held a protest outside the court before the hearings began, the correspondent reported. At the same time, Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir arrived at the court and made remarks against the protesters. Ben-Gvir was accompanied by a group of far-right Israelis who chanted against Arab participation in the elections. Meanwhile, Knesset member Ofer Cassif told supporters gathered outside the court: “We will fight fascism, achieve justice, peace and a bright future for all our children, Palestinians and Israelis, Jews and Arabs.” On Sept. 23, Israel’s Central Elections Committee decided to disqualify the Joint List led by Yusuf Jabareen, the United Arab List led by Knesset member Mansour Abbas, former Knesset member Sami Abu Shehadeh and Knesset member Ofer Cassif of the Joint List. Palestinians make up about 21% of Israel’s total population of more than 10 million. Opinion polls project Arab lawmakers to win 12 of the Knesset’s 120 seats, with elections scheduled for Oct. 27. Under Israeli electoral rules, the disqualification of an individual candidate requires Supreme Court approval before it can take effect. The Supreme Court has previously overturned decisions by Israel’s Central Elections Committee to disqualify Arab lists and lawmakers in past years.