Arab Israelis Criticize Democrats for Backing Ban on Balad MK

Journalist Mohammad Magadli has reported significant criticism from within Israel's Arab population directed at the Democratic Party following its vote to disqualify Sami Abed al-Shabadi, chairman of the Balad party, from running for the Knesset. Magadli compiled reactions from the Democratic Party's social media page, associated with Yair Golan, and included statements from Knesset Member Ahmad Tibi to Radio Al-Nass.

Tibi condemned the Democratic Party's support for the disqualification, calling it "shameful" and stating, "It is impossible to understand in any way the shameful support of the Democratic Party for the request to disqualify the candidacy of Sami Abed al-Shabadi. Yair Golan has joined Ben-Gvir, and this is a slap in the face to the entire Arab public."

The criticism highlights a perceived alignment between the Democratic Party, represented by Golan, and figures like Itamar Ben-Gvir, a move seen as detrimental to the Arab community's interests.