Israel disqualifies anti-Arab party from election

Israel's Central Elections Committee yesterday branded Rabbi Meir Kahane's anti-Arab Kach Party anti-democratic, and barred it from competing in the Nov. 1 election. Rabbi Kahane has vowed to appeal to the Supreme Court, which, in 1984, overturned a similar decision. This time, however, the outcome could differ.

``In 1984, we didn't have an anti-racist law. Today we have, and I hope [Kahane's] appeal to the high court will not be successful,'' says Police Minister Chaim Bar-Lev.

The disqualification motion was brought by seven parties, including Likud and Labor.

Kahane, who was born in New York, also founded the Jewish Defense League. Kach calls for the ouster of Arabs from Israeli-held territory.