Yair Golan Defends Support for Arab MK's Disqualification

Yair Golan, chairman of the Democrats 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 earlier this week, a decision that is now pending review by the High Court of Justice.

Golan acknowledged the anger and disappointment felt by many, particularly those who champion Jewish-Arab partnership. He emphasized that for him, this partnership is not mere lip service or a political tool, stating, "Partnership between Jews and Arabs is not lip service for me, nor a political tool for a time of need." He stressed the integral role of the Arab community in Israeli society, highlighting their equal citizenship and the necessity of shared life based on equality and full civil rights.

Recalling the events of October 7th, Golan pointed to the bravery of Arab citizens who acted as full partners in the national rescue efforts during the attacks. He asserted that the shared tragedy irrevocably binds their fates, underscoring that Arab citizens constitute 20% of Israeli society and are neither a political asset nor a threat.

Golan reiterated his party's consistent opposition to the disqualification of the Ra'am and Joint List parties, affirming that true civil partnership does not require agreement on all issues. He cautioned against allowing a single decision to damage the existing partnership between Jews and Arabs.

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 Democrats 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, citing reasons such as an article Abu Shehadeh wrote on October 8th discussing an "important historical event" the day after the Hamas massacre. The committee rejected disqualification requests for Otzma Yehudit, the Democrats, and the Religious Zionism party. The High Court is expected to rule on these disqualifications this week.