Israel’s Central Elections Committee voted to disqualify the United Arab List and the Joint List from next month’s elections. It also banned candidates Sami Abu Shehadeh and Ofer Cassif, accusing them of supporting terror and denying Israel as a Jewish state. The Joint List says Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and far-right Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir are trying to discourage 1.2 million Palestinian citizens of Israel from voting. The decisions need final approval by Israel’s Supreme Court. Ofer Cassif told Al Jazeera the move was predictable, unlawful and politically motivated. He rejected allegations of supporting armed struggle, saying he and his colleagues have always opposed violence and supported non-violent struggle. Cassif said the attorney general opposed the disqualifications and found no legal basis, arguing that politicians should not have the power to disqualify other politicians. He said he is confident the Supreme Court will overturn the bans and warned that Israel would become a “fully-fledged fascist dictatorship” if they stand.
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