Gantz Announces Blue and White Will Vote to Disqualify Arab Lawmakers and Party

The Blue and White party announced Tuesday that its representatives on the Central Elections Committee will vote to disqualify Arab lawmakers Sami Abu Shehadeh and Ofer Cassif, as well as the Balad party, from running in the Knesset elections. The party stated its support for disqualification stems from "their support for terrorist activity and their opposition to the State of Israel as a Jewish state." However, the party also noted its general belief in the public's right to choose candidates.

Meanwhile, the Central Elections Committee discussed demands to disqualify Arab parties and their representatives. Committee Chairman Noam Sofer rejected Abu Shehadeh's request to postpone the hearing due to an injury, stating he could participate via video conference. The Attorney General and State Prosecutor's Office submitted their position, finding no legal basis to disqualify the Religious Zionism and Identity parties, Democrats, Ra'am, Otzma Yehudit, the Joint List, Balad, or MK Ofer Cassif.

Regarding Abu Shehadeh, the legal opinion stated that evidence, particularly an article he published on October 8, 2023, suggests he expressed support for an armed struggle by a terrorist organization against Israel. The legal officials noted that Abu Shehadeh's written response did not sufficiently clarify that his article did not reflect support for armed conflict with Israel at a critical time. Therefore, the Central Elections Committee was advised to seriously consider the disqualification request based on legal standards and Abu Shehadeh's arguments.