Balad Party Leader Seeks Election Disqualification Hearing Delay Citing Injury

Sami Abu Shehadeh, the chairman of the Balad party, has requested a delay in the hearing concerning his disqualification from running in the upcoming Knesset elections. Abu Shehadeh claims he was injured on Tuesday morning, prompting his urgent request to postpone the proceedings. This move has drawn sharp criticism from the Otzma Yehudit party, with party officials suggesting Abu Shehadeh is attempting to evade the disqualification process.

Otzma Yehudit stated that Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir believes Abu Shehadeh is 'shaking' and therefore seeking the delay. They further asserted that if necessary, they would request to question Abu Shehadeh even in a hospital setting to ensure the hearing proceeds. The party emphasized the urgency of the matter, noting the limited time remaining for the judge to consider such cases and accusing Abu Shehadeh of playing games.

The push to disqualify Abu Shehadeh stems from a formal request submitted by National Security Minister and Otzma Yehudit chairman Itamar Ben-Gvir to the Central Elections Committee. The request cites controversial statements made by Abu Shehadeh following the October 7th Hamas attacks. Ben-Gvir, along with MK Tally Gotliv, is expected to lead the critical hearing aimed at preventing individuals who allegedly support terrorism from participating in the elections.

Among the statements highlighted in the disqualification request is an interview Abu Shehadeh gave shortly after October 7th, where he described the Hamas attack as a "historically important event militarily, politically, and strategically." He also reportedly stated that "what happened is actually a law of physics. As the pressure increases, it leads to an explosion," and suggested that those who treat Palestinians as human beings should be surprised by their restraint in the face of humiliation. The request also references an article published by Abu Shehadeh on October 8th, calling the Hamas attack an "important historical event" and praising Hamas terrorists.

Ben-Gvir has called for a systemic change in how the Supreme Court handles such cases, arguing that it has repeatedly approved candidates who support terrorism. He stated, "The time has come to make a systemic and conceptual change. We will put an end to the phenomenon of supporters of terrorism taking over the Knesset." The Attorney General's position on the matter is also under consideration.