Israel election committee bars two Arab lists from upcoming vote: What to know

Israel’s Central Elections Committee voted on Wednesday to bar two major Arab political lists —Raamand the Joint List, an alliance of Hadash, Taal and Balad — from running in the Oct. 27 election.

It also disqualified Joint List candidates Ofer Cassif and Sami Abu Shehadeh, who is the leader of Balad.

Petitions filed by the Likud, Jewish Power parties as well as the Choose Life Forum, a non-government organization, made several allegations including support for armed struggle against Israel and rejection of Israel’s existence as a Jewish and democratic state.

Israel's Supreme Court will consider the decisions next week, the Times of Israel reported Wednesday.

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Israel’s Central Elections Committee voted on Wednesday to bar two major Arab political lists —Raamand the Joint List, an alliance of Hadash, Taal and Balad — from running in the Oct. 27 election.

It also disqualified Joint List candidates Ofer Cassif and Sami Abu Shehadeh, who is the leader of Balad.

Petitions filed by the Likud, Jewish Power parties as well as the Choose Life Forum, a non-government organization, made several allegations including support for armed struggle against Israel and rejection of Israel’s existence as a Jewish and democratic state.

Israel's Supreme Court will consider the decisions next week, the Times of Israel reported Wednesday.