Arab Israeli Politician Withdraws Knesset Candidacy Amid Sexual Harassment Allegations

Jafar Farah, a candidate on the Joint List's Knesset slate, announced his withdrawal from the race on Friday following accusations of sexual harassment from six women. The Joint List stated that an internal inquiry could neither confirm nor deny the allegations. However, the party recommended Farah consider stepping down.

Farah, who was listed as number two on the Hadash party list and number four on the overall Joint List, denied the accusations. Hadash praised Farah's decision to withdraw, framing it as an act of responsibility to protect the Joint List from attempts to undermine it. The party emphasized that Farah's decision was made in coordination with party institutions and leadership.

Hadash plans to select a replacement for Farah's Knesset seat. While the party stated that any member of the Front for Democracy (Hadash's parent organization) could contend for the spot, their current aim is to place a woman in his position.