Rightists File Petitions Calling for Disqualification of Arab MK Zoabi

Three petitions calling for the disqualification of MK Haneen Zoabi from running for a Knesset seat were recieved by the chairman of the central elections committee on Thursday morning.

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Two were sent on behalf of parties - Likud and Yisrael Beitenu - and one by an individual, MK Danny Danon of Likud.

The petition filed by Yisrael Beiteinu claims that Zoabi's support of armed struggle against Israel constitutes a severe breach of Israeli law. The petition won the support of members of Likud, Habayit Hayehudi and Shas.

MK Yariv Levin, Likud coalition whip and the party's representative on the elections committee, explained the Likud's petition in a statement.

"Haneen Zoabi transformed her Knesset seat into an offensive post for terror organizations, exploited her rights as an MK and used the state's recources, while encouraging the boycott of Israel and the carrying out of terrorist act against the citizens of Israel."

"The request to disqualify her is meant to defend Israeli democracy against those who seek to destroy it from inside, and to return the honor of the Knesset."

Zoabi responded to Danon's petition, which was the first submitted, in a statement. "Nobody is doing me or any other Arab MK a favor in having us in the Knesset, that is our right in our homeland. It is racism that must be oulawed, to strengthen the democratic struggle for equal rights for all. "

A petition based on similar grounds was filed prior to the previous election against the entire Balad party, of which Zoabi is a member. That petition was accepted by the elections committee, but was later overturned by the Supreme Court.