Yair Golan Defends Support for Disqualifying Arab Candidate

Yair Golan, chairman of the Democratic Party, has responded to criticism regarding his party's support for the disqualification of Sami Abu Shehadeh, chairman of the Balad party, from running in the upcoming Knesset elections. The Central Elections Committee disqualified Abu Shehadeh this week, a decision that is now before the High Court of Justice.

Golan acknowledged the anger and disappointment expressed by many who view the decision as detrimental to Jewish-Arab partnership. He emphasized that for him, this partnership is not merely lip service or a political tool, stating, "Partnership between Jews and Arabs is not lip service for me, nor a political tool for a day of command." He stressed that the Arab community is an essential partner in all aspects of Israeli life and that shared existence based on equality and full civil rights is vital.

Golan recalled the events of October 7th, highlighting the bravery of Arab citizens who acted as full partners in the national rescue effort during the "dark and terrible hours." He asserted that the shared tragedy irrevocably binds their fates and that Arab citizens, comprising 20% of Israeli society, are neither a political asset nor a threat, but equal citizens with the fundamental right to be elected.

He further stated that the Democratic Party has consistently opposed the disqualification of Arab parties like Ra'am and the Joint List, believing that true civil partnership does not require agreement on all issues. He cautioned against allowing a single decision to damage this crucial partnership.

In response to his disqualification, Abu Shehadeh urged Arab citizens not to vote for Zionist parties. He also criticized Supreme Court Justice Noam Sohlberg, calling him a settler judge acting against international law. Separately, MK Ahmad Tibi of Ta'al criticized Golan's alliance with Itamar Ben-Gvir, calling it a "mark of Cain" against the Democratic Party and an insult to the Arab public.

The Central Elections Committee disqualified several candidates and parties, including the Joint List, Ra'am, Abu Shehadeh, and MK Ofer Cassif. However, petitions to disqualify Otzma Yehudit, the Democratic Party, and the Religious Zionism party were rejected. The committee's decisions, particularly the disqualification of Abu Shehadeh based on an article he wrote on October 8th, are now awaiting a final ruling from the High Court of Justice.