Arab-Israeli Candidate Abu Shehadeh Withdraws From Israeli Election After Court Signals Disqualification
Chief Justice Yitzhak Amit said a majority of the nine-judge panel backed disqualification, and Balad withdrew Abu Shehadeh’s candidacy to avoid a formal ruling.
- 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.
73 Articles
73 Articles
The majority of the judges found Abu Shehadeh to have supported Hamas's October 7 attack on Israel, a claim Shehadeh himself denies.
The arguments of the court force, however, the withdrawal of the electoral race of Arab deputy Sami Abu Shehadeh, leader of Balad. More information: Netanyahu and his ultra-partners push for Israel’s only two Arab parties to be excluded from the elections
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.
The Arab parties are allowed to take part in Israel's parliamentary election at the end of October. Because neither Netanyahu's camp nor his opponents expect a majority, the Islamic-conservative Ra'am could become decisive.
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