Israel Bans Arab Parties

The results of Israel’s upcoming election are anyone’s guess, but you can be sure that the winner won’t be an Arab. According to Haaretz, “The Central Elections Committee 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 measure’s advocates accused Arab parties of supporting terrorist groups and refusing to recognize Israel’s’ right to exist. Hamas, meanwhile, has released a new video predictably proclaiming that “our victory over the Zionists is near.” However, the video also said that “Hamas will cooperate with efforts to achieve a cease-fire agreement with Israel and to reopen Gaza border crossings.”