Central Election Committee Chair Justice Eliezer Rivlin on Friday rejected a request from Attorney General Menachem Mazuz to disqualify Baruch Marzel as a poll watcher in Um el-Fahm. This despite a recommendation to do so from ISA (Israel Security Agency – Shin Bet) Director Yuval Diskin.

Rivlin expressed criticism against the attorney general for publicizing his request, summoning a member of his staff for clarification. Rivlin rejected the request, explaining he does not have the authority to prevent Mazel from serving as a poll watcher and as such, he cannot accommodate the request.

Police and Justice Ministry officials are conferring, seeking to prevent Marzel from making his way to Um el-Fahm on Election Day. A senior police commander state Marzel’s presence will undoubtedly represent a danger to public safety. Police commanders add they do not have adequate manpower to protect Marzel and control the situation.

It is clear that police will be on hand on Tuesday to prevent Marzel from entering the Israeli Arab municipality. Um el-Fahm leaders last night announced that they too will be on hand to prevent Marzel from entering the city. Deputy Mayor Mustafa Mahmid vowed that Mazel will not step foot in his municipality. “Whoever decided to permit him to come will bear the responsibility for whatever occurs”.

Marzel stated that he is not afraid and it is the problem of Israel Police.

It should be pointed out that Ichud Leumi officials will be present in other Arab areas as poll watchers as well, including Shfaram, Sachknin, Fordus ,Baka, Jatt, Kafr Kassam, Tirah and Taibeh.

(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)