Subscribe to Print Edition | Mon., January 26, 2009 Shvat 1, 5769 | | Israel Time: 19:27 (EST+7)
Haaretz israel news English
web haaretz.com
Haaretz Toolbar
Diplomacy
Defense Jewish World Opinion National
Print Edition
Car Rental
Books Haaretz Magazine Business Real Estate Joy of Giving Travel Week's End Anglo File
Last update - 01:27 13/01/2009
Knesset committee bans Arab parties from elections
By Shahar Ilan and Roni Singer-Heruti, Haaretz Correspondents and AP
Tags: Israel News, Israel elections 

The Central Elections Committee (CEC) yesterday banned the Arab parties United Arab List-Ta'al and Balad from running in next month's parliamentary elections amid accusations of racism from Arab MKs. Both parties intend to challenge the decision in the Supreme Court.

Members of the CEC conceded yesterday that the chance of the Supreme Court's upholding the ban on both parties was slim.

Arab faction delegates in the CEC walked out of the hall before the vote, shouting, "this is a fascist, racist state." As they walked out, CEC deputy chairman MK David Tal (Kadima) and the Arab delegates pushed each other and a Knesset guard had to intervene and separate them.
Advertisement
The CEC voted overwhelmingly in favor of the motions, accusing the country's Arab parties of incitement, supporting terrorist groups and refusing to recognize Israel's right to exist.

The requests to ban the Arab parties were filed by two ultra right parties Yisrael Beiteinu and National Union-National Religious Party.

Senior Labor Party figures lashed out at the party's CEC representative, Eitan Cabel, who voted in favor of banning the two Arab parties.

"[MK] Shelly Yachimovich and I thought we must object to the move to ban the Arab lists for reasons of freedom of expression," said Social Affairs Minister Isaac Herzog. "The minority's right to be heard must be preserved," he said.

MK Ophir Pines (Labor) said from overseas that he strongly objected to Labor's stance in the vote and that it was not the position that had been agreed on.

Labor chairman Ehud Barak, however, did not comment on the vote and his aides said he would not deal with political issues these days.

Cabel tried to explain his support of the ban, despite Labor's decision to vote against it.

"It's true we said we wouldn't ban, but [Balad leader MK Jamal] Zahalka's statement that he was in touch with Bishara led me to think that we must draw the line somewhere," he said. "I'm making no apologies because I fight more than most in the Knesset for equal rights for Arabs. I know it won't stand up in the Supreme Court, and rightly so, because there is no evidentiary basis for the [committee's] decision."

Members of the the new Meretz alignment reacted angrily to the decision.

"Labor and Kadima's position is a declaration of war on Israel's Arab citizens," a party member said. "Do Barak and Livni really prefer blocking Israel's Arabs' right to parliamentary activity and driving them to street demonstrations?"

"Every time a clear statement to ensure basic civil rights of the Arab minority is required, Labor and Kadima choose to side with the radical right wing for populist motives, to deprive the Arabs of their fundamental democratic rights," party chairman Haim Oron said.

Arab lawmakers Ahmed Tibi and Zahalka, political rivals who head the two Arab blocs in the Knesset, joined together in condemning yesterday's decision.

"It was a political trial led by a group of fascists and racists who are willing to see the Knesset without Arabs and want to see the country without Arabs," said Tibi.
Bookmark to del.icio.us  
 
Disturbing trend
Jewish Agency says Anti-Semitic acts in Jan. 2009 triple last year's records.
After the war
IDF gains in Gaza have softened Israel's stance on Shalit deal.
 Read & React
Livni: Israel should strike Hamas again to halt arms smuggling
Responses: 66
Egypt to Hamas: Take Gaza truce before Netanyahu is voted PM
Responses: 64
Netanyahu: Likud-led government wouldn't build new settlements
Responses: 54
Akiva Eldar: Saudi plan offers Israel united front with Arab states against Iran
Responses: 33
IDF rabbinate publication during Gaza war: We will show no mercy on the cruel
Responses: 50


More Headlines
19:05 EU aid chief: Hamas has 'enormous responsibility' for Gaza war
15:07 Livni: Obama can use Gaza op success to alter Mideast reality
18:32 Egypt to Hamas: Take Gaza truce before Netanyahu is voted PM
16:02 Olmert eulogizes 'exceptional' Ultra-Orthodox MK Ravitz
19:24 U.S. wants direct talks with Iran on atomic work
17:19 The Gaza War as reality television
11:24 Iran MPs plan Gaza visit to praise Hamas resistance against 'Zionist offensive'
17:28 State Prosecutor: Lieberman probe not politically motivated
12:54 Sky News joins BBC in refusing to air Gaza fundraiser
17:23 Yusuf Islam, formerly known as Cat Stevens, releases charity song for children of Gaza
15:18 WATCH: Israeli company invents radiation-free lung imaging system
15:43 Lecturers say IDF officer who justified Gaza strikes should not teach law
10:14 Nine held for allegedly attacking Israeli Arabs in Upper Nazareth
18:50 Police arrest woman suspected of bilking money from charity that helps Sderot residents
13:17 IDF rabbinate publication during Gaza war: We will show no mercy on the cruel
14:53 Archaeologists in Jerusalem unearth figurine from time of emperor Hadrian
14:51 Netanyahu: Likud-led coalition wouldn't build new settlements
10:35 Haaretz probe: Unknown overseas sources paid MK Lieberman NIS 2.5m
Previous Editions
Special Offers
Advertisement
Summer in Israel
Israeli style - Tzofim Chetz V'Keshet 2009
Blue And White Forever Israel Army T-shirts
Wear with Proud Donate the Soldiers Kit
You can make a direct IMPACT!
on the life of an Israeli soldier
State of Israel Bonds
During this time of market volatility, Israel bonds can help.
SURF RAMBAM
Keep current about new-wave medical care, education and research.
Camp Kimama Israel 2009
The best place for your children this summer
Fattal Hotel Chain
Perfectly located hotels on best resorts of Israel.
Eldan Rent a Car
Israel's leading car rental company offers you a 20% discount on online reservations
Jewish Singles Personal Ads
Find the love of your life on JDate.com
Junkyard
Junk a car - get free towing nationwide and a tax-deductible receipt
Home | TV | Print Edition | Diplomacy | Opinion | Arts & Leisure | Sports | Jewish World | Underground | Site rules |
Real Estate in Israel | Travel to Israel with Haaretz | Hotels Israel | Restaurants Israel | Tourist attractions Israel | Shops Israel
birthright Israel | Search engine marketing
Haaretz.com, the online edition of Haaretz Newspaper in Israel, offers real-time breaking news, opinions and analysis from Israel and the Middle East. Haaretz.com provides extensive and in-depth coverage of Israel, the Jewish World and the Middle East, including defense, diplomacy, the Arab-Israeli conflict, the peace process, Israeli politics, Jerusalem affairs, international relations, Iran, Iraq, Syria, Lebanon, the Palestinian Authority, the West Bank and the Gaza Strip, the Israeli business world and Jewish life in Israel and the Diaspora.
© Copyright  Haaretz. All rights reserved