Arab-Israeli Candidate Abu Shehadeh Withdraws From Israeli Election After Court Signals Disqualification
A majority of judges signaled support for the ban after a hearing over remarks tied to an Oct. 8, 2023 article, officials said.
- 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.
186 Articles
186 Articles
An Arab party and a Jewish critic of Israel's treatment of Palestinians are allowed to run in elections.
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 Israeli Arabs, also called Palestinians of Israel, represent about 20% of the population and identify themselves, in the vast majority, as Palestinians.
The majority of the judges found Abu Shehadeh to have supported Hamas's October 7 attack on Israel, a claim Shehadeh himself denies.
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