Written answer
Foreign Policy
The Minister opposed Israel’s proposed disqualification of Arab-majority parties, stressing inclusive elections and noting the Israeli Supreme Court could overturn the decision.
50. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade her position on the banning of political parties by Israel's central elections committee ahead of elections there next month. [69251/26]
Comment on this
I am concerned that Israel's Central Elections Committee voted to disqualify the two Arab-majority lists contesting the upcoming parliamentary elections in Israel. If this decision is not overturned, it would exclude Arab-majority parties contesting the elections. I note that the Committee also voted to disqualify two individual candidates standing for those parties.
It is essential that the elections, scheduled to take on Tuesday, 27 October, are held in a free, fair and inclusive context. Arab citizens of Israel make up approximately twenty percent of Israel’s population.
I note that the decision of the Central Elections Committee is subject to review by the Israeli Supreme Court. In past elections, the Israeli Supreme Court has consistently overturned attempts to disqualify Arab-majority parties, citing a commitment to protecting democratic franchise and freedom of speech.