Allies of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu are pursuing political and legal strategies to stop the United Arab List party, known as Ra’am, from participating in the upcoming Israeli parliament (Knesset) elections, local media reported Sunday, Anadolu reports.

Israeli channel Channel 13 said efforts are underway alongside discussions on the potential designation of the Islamic Movement’s southern branch as a terrorist organization.

The broadcaster said that discussions among Netanyahu’s allies have focused on pursuing measures against the Islamic Movement, considered Ra’am’s parent movement, over allegations that it transferred donations to Gaza during the ongoing war.

Citing two unnamed sources close to Netanyahu, the report said the move would require legislation in the Knesset along with assessments by Israeli security agencies, particularly the internal security service Shin Bet.

According to the report, No date has yet been set for Israel’s next election, although the discussions are part of broader political preparations ahead of the vote.

There was no immediate comment from Netanyahu’s or Ra’am’s office.

Leaded by Mansour Abbas, Ra’am became the first Arab party to join an Israeli governing coalition in 2021 under the government of Naftali Bennett and Yair Lapid, a move that sparked widespread debate within and between Israel. Arab communities.

The party currently holds five seats in the Knesset.

Israeli political discourse has seen increasing pressure on Arab parties and movements since the start of the war in Gaza, with right-wing groups repeatedly accusing some Arab factions of “supporting terrorism” because of their stances on the war and Gaza-related humanitarian activities.

The current Knesset term will end in October, though Lawmakers on Wednesday approved a snap vote to dissolve parliament, potentially paving the way for early elections if the bill passes three additional readings.

The Israeli military launched a brutal two-year offensive in Gaza in October 2023, killing more than 72,000 people, injuring more than 172,000 others and causing massive destruction across the besieged territory.

Source: prizrenpost