Israel’s opposition the Democrats party on Monday asked the Central Elections Committee to bar the Jewish Power party, led by far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, from the October 27 general election, citing incitement to racism.

The petition also accused the party of undermining democracy, the rule of law and judicial authority, according to Israel’s Channel 12.

The Democrats said Kahanist lawmakers had used political power and parliamentary immunity to defy court orders, challenge the Supreme Court’s authority and incite “violent racism.”

Meir Kahane was a far-right Israeli-American rabbi, militant leader and politician who advocated Jewish supremacy and the forced removal of Arabs from Israel and Palestine. He was assassinated in 1990 in Manhattan, New York.

The committee has yet to rule on the opposition party’s request.

Ben-Gvir rejected the move and accused Yair Golan’s Democrats of being “anti-Semitic” and “anti-Israel.”

As National Security Minister, Ben-Gvir oversaw a severe worsening of conditions for Palestinian prisoners after October 7 2023, through the suspension of visits, reductions in food and medical care and frequent raids and beatings, while publicly expressing satisfaction with the harsher treatment.

Ben-Gvir also massively expanded firearms licences for illegal Israeli settlers while instructing police not to enforce laws against settlers attacking Palestinians in the occupied West Bank.

The petition comes days after Israeli parties filed their candidate lists for the election.

A total of 38 lists are registered to contest the 120-seat Knesset, though recent polls suggest around 13 could win seats.

Any decision to disqualify a candidate or list is subject to review by Israel’s Supreme Court.