Arab Community Will Vote Against Right-Wing Government, Haifa Official Asserts

Haifa municipal council member Charbel Dekkur, representing the National Democratic Assembly (Balad), stated that the disqualification of Balad and its leader Sami Abu Shehadeh, along with the Unified List, by the Central Elections Committee is a politically motivated move targeting the entire Arab community. Dekkur argued that Balad and Abu Shehadeh have not engaged in incitement, but rather advocate for equality and basic rights. He contrasted this with right-wing elements and settlers, whom he accused of actual incitement without accountability.

Speaking to i24NEWS about the election committee's decision and the expected appeal to the Supreme Court, Dekkur expressed concern about the court's current composition and the political climate. However, he downplayed the likelihood of the Supreme Court upholding Abu Shehadeh's disqualification, emphasizing that the challenging atmosphere will not deter the Arab community from exercising its political rights.

Dekkur concluded by asserting that the most effective response to these disqualification attempts is for Arab citizens to vote in large numbers on election day, thereby increasing turnout. He believes the Arab vote is crucial for bringing about change and ousting the current right-wing government.