Sami Abu Shehadeh

Balad leader Sami Abu Shehadeh withdrew his Knesset candidacy following a Supreme Court recommendation, drawing sharp criticism from ally Ahmad Tibi toward the Democrats.

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.

The Supreme Court ruled that Ra'am, the Joint List, and MK Ofer Cassif can run in the Knesset elections, rejecting disqualification petitions. Balad Chairman Sami Abu Shehadeh withdrew from the race.

The Israeli Supreme Court reviewed the disqualification of Balad chairman MK Sami Abu Shehadeh over his October 2023 remarks, drawing sharp political reactions.

The Supreme Court heard arguments on Thursday regarding the disqualification of former MKs Sami Abu Shehadeh and Ofer Cassif from the 2026 Knesset elections, amid sharp legal and political debates over support for terrorism.

Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara and State Attorney Amit Aisman urged the Supreme Court to uphold the disqualification of Balad chairman Sami Abu Shehadeh over alleged support for Hamas.

Ra'am candidate Yoav Segalovitch stated that Balad Chairman Sami Abu Shehadeh crossed the line and should not run in the upcoming 26th Knesset elections.

Otzma Yehudit is set to submit new evidence against former MK Sami Abu Shehadeh, claiming a video shows him supporting armed struggle and opposing a hostage deal that undermines Hamas.

The Central Election Commission discussed disqualifying Balad leader MK Sami Abu Shehadeh, with the Attorney General and Commission Chairman backing the move.

Yisrael Beytenu and Yashar! support disqualifying Arab candidates over October 7 statements, backed by the Attorney General.

The Central Election Committee is reviewing petitions to disqualify candidates and parties for the 26th Knesset elections, focusing heavily on Balad politician Sami Abu Shehadeh.

An unearthed interview shows MK Sami Abu Shehadeh voicing support for Gaza's resistance days after the October 7 massacre, contradicting his previous election committee claims.

Supreme Court Justice Noam Solberg rejected a request by Sami Abu Shehadeh to postpone his election disqualification hearing, ordering participation via Zoom following his hospitalization.

The Yashar! party led by Gadi Eisenkot supports disqualifying Sami Abu Shehadeh from the Knesset elections over post-October 7 remarks praising the Hamas attack.

MK Sami Abu Shehadeh rejected disqualification efforts led by Minister Itamar Ben Gvir, defending his non-violent political record and condemning civilian casualties.

Itamar Ben Gvir hinted his party will demand the Justice Ministry for MK Tali Gotliv and criticized opposition to disqualifying Balad's Sami Abu Shehadeh.

The Shas party has unveiled its candidate list for the 26th Knesset elections, featuring key promotions for younger members. Meanwhile, the Joint List finalized its roster, led by Yousef Jabareen.