Arab Joint List Accuses United Torah Candidate of Backing Disqualification

The Arab Joint List has accused Yoav Segalovich, the second-highest-ranking candidate on the United Torah list, of implicitly supporting the disqualification of Sami Abu Shehadeh. In a statement, the Joint List asserted that Segalovich's "ambiguous statements" effectively joined a campaign by figures like Itamar Ben-Gvir and the Kahane movement against the Joint List and its candidates, aiming to suppress the Arab vote. The Joint List called on the United Torah leadership to clarify Segalovich's remarks and take a clear stance on Abu Shehadeh's disqualification.

The Joint List reiterated its opposition to the disqualification, despite political differences with United Torah, citing a fundamental rejection of "racist exclusion policies targeting the Arab vote and the public's right to choose its representatives." They also referenced a signed "code of honor" that obligates signatories to refrain from infighting and accusations, questioning if this pact applies to Segalovich. The Joint List characterized his comments as exceeding political rivalry and entering the realm of "fascist incitement against our candidates and the Arab vote, and support for racist exclusion."

Segalovich, however, denied his words were distorted, stating his position against Abu Shehadeh's disqualification was clear. "I reject and condemn anyone trying to change and falsify my words," he said, affirming, "In the interview, I clearly stated my position: I am fundamentally against the disqualification of Sami Abu Shehadeh."

He elaborated that during the same interview, he also stated, "According to the Elections Committee's decision, and I say according to the committee's decision, Sami Abu Shehadeh crossed the line. I think he knows that. He himself says he would have retracted and said his words differently, and found a thousand justifications."

Segalovich emphasized his principled opposition to the disqualification, suggesting the matter should go to the Supreme Court. He also clarified that his personal suggestion for Abu Shehadeh not to run in the upcoming elections was separate from his stance on the disqualification itself. He noted that other Arab academics, lawyers, politicians, and figures within the Hadash and Ta'al parties have also publicly called for Abu Shehadeh to withdraw his candidacy, mentioning Professor Raif Zreik as one such individual.