Become a Member
Israel

Israeli court bans far-right party leader from standing in next month's election

The Supreme Court stripped Michael Ben-Ari, who leads the Jewish Power party, of his status as a candidate in the April 9 election

March 18, 2019 09:38
Otzma Yehudit party leader Michael Ben Ari said after the ruling that the Supreme Court was a 'judicial junta'
1 min read
 
 
COUNTDOWN
TO APRIL 9

Michael Ben-Ari, the leader of Israel’s far-right Jewish Power (Otzma Yehudit) Party has been banned from standing in the country’s election next month.

The Supreme Court on Sunday reversed a decision by Israel’s central election committee after an appeal by the left-wing Meretz Party.

The participation of Jewish Power has caused widespread consternation across the Jewish world, with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu coming under fire for brokering a deal between the party and the National Union in an attempt to shore up the right-wing vote.

Mr Ben-Ari, a former National Union MK, has been accused of saying anyone speaks out against Jews should “not come out alive” - although he has claimed he was referring to Hamas members.