 |
| Leader of the far-right Jewish Power party, Michael Ben-Ari |
Israel
elections: Supreme Court bans top candidate over racist remarks
Israel's Supreme Court has disqualified the leader of the
far-right Jewish Power party, Michael Ben-Ari, from next month's elections.
In doing so, it overturned an earlier decision by the
electoral committee.
Mr Ben-Ari has faced criticism over his comments about
Israeli Arabs. Attorney General Avichai Mandelblit has said they amount to
"incitement to racism".
The court also reinstated Israeli Arab parties previously
banned from contesting the 9 April poll.
They had been barred from standing for their critical
remarks about the state of Israel and the Israel Defense Forces.
Sports: Messi closes up on Ronaldo’s record after hat-trick against Betis
Sports: Messi closes up on Ronaldo’s record after hat-trick against Betis
Ahead of the elections, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu
had forged an alliance with several far-right parties to try to shore up
support.
His right-wing Likud party is seen as a strong contender
despite an investigation into corruption allegations against him.
All governments in Israel are coalitions because the
country's system of proportional representation makes it unlikely for single
parties to be able to govern alone. (BBC)