Israeli Channel 13 has reported that figures close to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu are working to advance political and legal measures that could lead to banning the United Arab List party from taking part in the next elections.
The channel said discussions within Netanyahu’s circle have focused on promoting action against the Islamic Movement, regarded as the parent movement of the United Arab List (Ra’am), over allegations that it transferred donations to Gaza during the war.
According to Channel 13, citing two unnamed sources close to Netanyahu, the move would require legislation in the Knesset, Israel’s parliament, as well as assessments and positions from Israeli security bodies, led by the Shin Bet internal security agency.
The report added that the date of the next election remains unclear, but said the measures are being discussed as part of political preparations for the vote. The current Knesset’s term ends in October, although it voted in a preliminary reading last Wednesday in favour of dissolving itself. If the bill passes three further readings, it could pave the way for early elections.
