Far-right Jewish Power party’s leader can run in elections, commission rules
Otzma Yehudit's head Michael Ben-Ari will be able to fight for a seat in the election next month
The chairman of the far-right Jewish Power party, or Otzma Yehudit, can run in April’s elections, the Israeli Central Elections Commission ruled.
The commission approved the candidacy of who is in the realistic fifth spot on the candidates’ list of the Union of Right Wing Parties — a merger of Jewish Power with the more moderate Jewish Home party. The vote not to bar Ben-Ari was 16-15.
His candidacy was approved despite Attorney General Avi Mandleblit’s opinion that Ben-Ari should be disqualified over incitement to racism.
The Jewish Power party subscribes to the racist, anti-Arab views of the late Rabbi Meir Kahane.
The committee also approved the candidacy of Jewish Power’s Itamar Ben Gvir and the technical union of Jewish Power and Jewish Home under the banner of the Union of Right Wing Parties, which is expected to break up after the April 9 vote.
The issues are expected to be appealed to the Supreme Court.
Keep community journalism free.
Jewish News is free for everyone. No paywall. No barriers. Just trusted journalism for anyone who wants to stay connected to Jewish life in Britain.
If you value that, please support us.
From as little as £5 a month, you can help keep our journalism free and accessible to all.
Every day, we report on the issues that matter to our community. We celebrate achievements, support charities, challenge antisemitism and ensure Jewish voices are heard more widely.
From as little as £5 a month, you can help us continue to:
- Report on the stories shaping Jewish life in the UK and beyond
- Bring our community together through shared stories, events and campaigns
- Celebrate the people, culture and moments that define our community
- Support organisations doing vital work across Jewish Britain
You can make a one-off donation or become a regular supporter. Every contribution helps keep our journalism free, independent and accessible to all.
If everyone who values Jewish News gave a small amount, it would make a real difference to our future.
