Israel Bans Arab Parties From Election

[unhappycamper]

Israel Bans Arab Parties From Election
January 13, 2009
Associated Press

JERUSALEM - Israel on Monday banned Arab political parties from running in next month's parliamentary elections, drawing accusations of racism by an Arab lawmaker who said he would challenge the decision in the country's Supreme Court.

The ruling by parliament's Central Election Committee reflected the heightened tensions between Israel's Jewish majority and Arab minority caused by Israel's offensive in the Gaza Strip. Arabs have held a series of demonstrations against the offensive.

Parliament spokesman Giora Pordes said the election committee voted overwhelmingly in favor of the motion, accusing the country's Arab parties of incitement, supporting terrorist groups and refusing to recognize Israel's right to exist. Arab lawmakers have traveled to some of Israel's staunchest enemies, including Lebanon and Syria.

The 37-member committee is composed of representatives from Israel's major political parties. The measure was proposed by two ultranationalist parties but received widespread support.

The decision does not affect Arab lawmakers in predominantly Jewish parties or the country's communist party, which has a mixed list of Arab and Jewish candidates. Roughly one-fifth of Israel's 7 million citizens are Arabs. Israeli Arabs enjoy full citizenship rights, but have suffered from discrimination and poverty for decades.


Rest of article at: http://www.military.com/news/article/israel-bans-arab-parties-from-election.html?col=1186032310810

[conscious evolution]

1. So israel is no longer a democracy,huh?

How sad.
And they wonder why so many hate.

[Crowman1979]

2. More like Apartheid!

Israel is getting closer to becoming the next Serbia.

[PFunk]

3. Agreed.

[TahitiNut]

4. "All the animals are equal but some are more equal than others."

Apartheid.