Balad Party Chair Slams Israeli Officials, Calls MK Golan 'Racist'

Sami Abu Shehadeh, the chairman of the Balad party, has fiercely criticized the Central Elections Committee and its head, Supreme Court Justice Noam Sohlberg, following the committee's decision to disqualify his candidacy for the Knesset. Abu Shehadeh stated that the legal and public battle is just beginning, asserting that the committee's decision lacks moral or public validity and was politically motivated to neutralize Arab leadership.

In a radio interview, Abu Shehadeh also directed sharp criticism at National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, accusing him of cynically exploiting victims' suffering for political propaganda. He further attacked MK Yair Golan, labeling him 'racist' and accusing him of attempting to dictate Arab leadership that serves Israeli left-wing interests rather than the Arab public.

Regarding his controversial article on the October 7th events, Abu Shehadeh acknowledged that in hindsight, he would phrase it differently. However, he maintained that his words were taken out of context and weaponized by political rivals to deny the Arab public's right to representation in the Knesset by their chosen leaders.

Abu Shehadeh firmly rejected any rumors of resignation or surrender, emphasizing that Balad will continue its election campaign with full force, even if he is personally disqualified. The party aims to boost Arab voter turnout and ensure the Arab public's voice in Israeli politics.