Knesset Election Candidacy Hearing Postponed Due to Lawmaker's Hospitalization

A hearing to disqualify the candidacy of Sami Abu Shehadeh, chairman of the Balad party, may be postponed by a day due to his hospitalization. The Central Elections Committee was scheduled to discuss the request to prevent Shehadeh from running in the upcoming Knesset elections. The disqualification bid is reportedly linked to an article he published following the October 7, 2023 attacks.

Shehadeh denies the allegations against him and is seeking to remain on the ballot. The Otzma Yehudit party responded to Shehadeh's request for a delay, suggesting he is trying to evade the proceedings. "Minister Ben-Gvir believes Abu Shehadeh is trembling and therefore requests to postpone the discussion," the party stated. "In any case, to remove doubt and given the importance of the discussion, if necessary, we will request to question him and hold the proceeding, even in the hospital."

Otzma Yehudit further commented, "Abu Shehadeh knows these are the last days the judge can discuss cases and is not just playing games," according to the party's statement. The party indicated its willingness to conduct the hearing at the hospital if required, emphasizing the urgency of the matter.