Arab-Israeli Candidate Abu Shehadeh Withdraws From Israeli Election After Court Signals Disqualification
The Balad leader withdrew after judges signaled support for his disqualification over remarks critics said backed armed struggle.
- On Thursday, Palestinian politician Sami Abu Shehadeh withdrew his candidacy for the October 27 election after Israel's Supreme Court signaled a majority of justices supported barring him from the race.
- The disqualification effort centered on an October 8, 2023, article in which Abu Shehadeh described the Hamas-led October 7 attack as an "important historical event," drawing sharp criticism.
- Chief Justice Yitzhak Amit urged the Balad leader to withdraw voluntarily to avoid a formal ruling, a move the rights group Adalah characterized as a "severe blow" to Palestinian representation.
- National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir welcomed the withdrawal, claiming victory against "supporters of terrorism," while Balad insisted the decision does not mark the end of their political struggle.
- The Joint List alliance pledged to mobilize voters for the October 27 election, arguing that attempts to exclude candidates cannot silence Palestinian political representation and parliamentary participation.
181 Articles
181 Articles
Israeli Arab leader quits election under pressure from court over ...
Sami Abu Shehadeh, leader of Balad, opposition party in Israel, is part of the Israeli Arab community, also known as the Palestinians of Israel. They represent about 20% of the country's population.
The majority of the judges found Abu Shehadeh to have supported Hamas's October 7 attack on Israel, a claim Shehadeh himself denies.
RECIT - The Israeli Supreme Court pushed Sami Abu Shahadeh to withdraw his candidacy for the legislature, telling him that a majority of his judges were in favour of his disqualification. Balad's leader was questioned for an article published the day after 7 October.
Israel's Supreme Court overturns a decision that Arab parties should be excluded from the parliamentary election. They could be decisive in the next formation of government.
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