The Democrats party petitioned Israel’s Supreme Court on Tuesday to overturn the Central Elections Committee’s decision and immediately disqualify the Otzma Yehudit party and its leaders—National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and Knesset member Tally Gottlieb—from running in the upcoming election.
In the petition, filed through party legal counsel Attorney Omri Segev, the Democrats cite two grounds: denying Israel’s existence as a democratic state and incitement to racism. The party argues that Ben-Gvir and Gottlieb have systematically abused government power and ministerial offices to undermine the rule of law, separation of powers, and civil rights, pointing to previous determinations by the Attorney General and State Attorney.
Among the evidence and claims detailed in the petition are allegations of Ben-Gvir’s political interference in police work, Gottlieb’s involvement in incidents at the Beit Lid base, an indictment against her for publishing the identity of a Shin Bet employee and her refusal to appear for questioning, backing and glorifying those convicted of nationalist crimes, and publication of “Plan 710,” which includes emigration targets and calls for establishing a dedicated government ministry.
Democrats chairman Maj. Gen. (ret.) Yair Golan said: “Itamar Ben-Gvir is a racist Kahanist and a criminal convicted of incitement to racism and supporting a terrorist organization. Turning government ministries and the Knesset into a refuge from crimes and a tool for trampling the rule of law—this is a red line the court must stop.” The party noted that the Supreme Court petition follows their position at the Elections Committee, where they also opposed disqualifying Arab parties.