Einav Katz's Party Backs Disqualifying Balad Chairman From Knesset

The "Yashar! Im Einav Katz" party announced Tuesday its support for disqualifying Sami Abushahada, chairman of the Balad party, from running in the upcoming 26th Knesset elections. The party stated that Abushahada's description of the Hamas attack on October 7th as a "historically important event militarily, politically, and strategically," especially "the day after the massacre, when hundreds of murdered and kidnapped were already known," crossed a legal line.

"Yashar! Im Einav Katz" clarified that while not a voting body, it believes Abushahada's statements after the October 7th massacre violated Basic Law: The Knesset, which prohibits support for armed struggle by a terror organization against Israel. The party emphasized that Abushahada's later clarification does not erase his initial remarks, made when hundreds of Israelis had already been killed and taken hostage.

"For us, Abushahada crossed the line. This clause must have practical meaning," the party declared, referencing the law that disqualifies candidates supporting terror against Israel. The party believes his words, published the day after the massacre, signify support for armed struggle.

Meanwhile, a dispute exists within the Ministry of Justice regarding Abushahada's disqualification. Otzma Yehudit stated that Minister Ben-Gvir believes Abushahada is seeking a delay due to fear, and that if necessary, they would pursue his interrogation even in a hospital. The Attorney General's office, in a filing to the Central Elections Committee, stated that while they see no legal basis to disqualify several other parties and MK Ofer Cassif, the evidence against Sami Abushahada, particularly his October 8th article, suggests he may have expressed support for armed struggle against Israel.

The Attorney General's office noted that Abushahada's written response to the disqualification request did not sufficiently clarify that his article did not reflect support for armed struggle against Israel at such a critical time. Therefore, the Central Elections Committee was advised to seriously consider the disqualification request based on legal standards and Abushahada's arguments.