Lieberman Calls to Outlaw Balad; Likud Fires Back with Sharp Jab
Yisrael Beytenu leader Avigdor Lieberman called to outlaw the Balad party following a Supreme Court ruling allowing the joint Arab list to run for the 26th Knesset. Likud responded with a sarcastic jab recalling Lieberman's past political statements.
Lieberman Demands Outlawing Balad Party
Avigdor Lieberman, leader of Yisrael Beytenu, called on Friday to outlaw the Balad party, arguing that the presence of its representatives in the Israeli parliament constitutes "representation of a terror organization in the Knesset." His remarks prompted a sharp, two-word retort from Likud.
Lieberman's attack followed the withdrawal of Balad Chairman Sami Abu Shehadeh from the race for the 26th Knesset just before a disqualification ruling by the Supreme Court. Concurrently, the justices unanimously approved the joint Arab list's run, reigniting debates over past political cooperation with Arab factions.
"As long as Abu Shehadeh remains Balad chairman and his party's representatives are in the Knesset, this is representation of a terror organization in the Israeli Knesset. Balad must be outlawed," Lieberman wrote on social media.
Likud Responds with Historical Jab
Likud quickly responded to Lieberman's statements with a dismissive two-word comment: "Yes, huh," accompanied by a photo showing Hadash Chairman Ayman Odeh alongside Lieberman. The ruling party aimed to remind Lieberman of his political history, specifically his tenure as finance minister in the Bennett-Lapid government when he stated on Channel 12 that he would be willing to enlist Arab MKs without shame to pass the state budget.
The political clash erupted after the Supreme Court unanimously overturned the Central Elections Committee's decision, permitting the joint list—which includes Balad—to contest the upcoming elections. Meanwhile, regarding Abu Shehadeh, the justices indicated that his statements were unacceptable, leading him to withdraw his candidacy before a formal ruling was issued.
