Balad Party Leader Admits Post-Oct 7 Article Was 'Unsuccessful'

Sami Abu Shehadeh, chairman of the Balad party, stated in an interview on Thursday that an article he published on October 8, one day after the Hamas attack on southern Israel, was "unsuccessful" and that he "did not understand the whole picture" at the time. He explained that his commentary, attempting to analyze the events, was "incorrect in hindsight" and that had he known the extent of the atrocities, he would not have used the same words. However, Abu Shehadeh emphasized that the article's conclusion opposed violence and armed struggle, calling for an immediate shift to the political arena. He expressed regret that his article was not heeded.

Abu Shehadeh also addressed his disqualification by the Central Elections Committee the previous day, calling the process a "circus" that should end. He argued that political parties should not be allowed to disqualify rival parties with different worldviews. He confirmed he would not withdraw his candidacy following the committee's decision, asserting that his beliefs are well-known and that he has "dozens of articles" advocating for an end to the occupation.

When asked if Hamas is a terrorist organization, Abu Shehadeh responded that he opposes terrorism and has never called for violence. He stated that the events of October 7 were "crimes, a massacre, and atrocities" that he opposes, committed by an organization whose policies he rejects. He criticized the interviewer for demanding he repeat the phrase "terrorist organization," comparing it to how one might speak to a child.