Supreme Court unanimously overturns election panel’s ban on Arab parties

On Friday, October 2, 2026, Israel's Supreme Court unanimously overturned an election panel's ban, restoring Arab parties to the upcoming election ballot. The judges ruled that the parties and candidates in question—specifically Ra'am, the Joint List, and MK Ofer Cassif—did not meet the legal criteria regarding racist incitement or support for armed conflict against Israel that would warrant a ban, though the court had rejected the chief of the Balad party.

The ruling impacts the political landscape by returning key Arab factions to the electoral race. According to reports, these parties could potentially serve as 'kingmakers' in the formation of a government following the vote.