Sigalovitch Denies Supporting Abu Shehadeh's Disqualification

Dr. Arik Sigalovitch has rejected what he described as attempts to "distort and falsify my words," asserting that his stance on disqualifying candidate Basel Ghattas Abu Shehadeh was clearly stated in a controversial interview. Sigalovitch clarified that his "principled position" is against Abu Shehadeh's disqualification, distinguishing it from his personal opinion regarding Abu Shehadeh's candidacy in the upcoming elections.

He explained that his comments about the Elections Committee's decision, stating Abu Shehadeh had "crossed the line," were separate from his principled opposition. Sigalovitch believes Abu Shehadeh himself understood this, as he indicated he would have rephrased or retracted his statements. Sigalovitch emphasized that his acknowledgment of Abu Shehadeh crossing the line, according to the committee's decision, did not equate to supporting his disqualification.

"In principle, I am against this disqualification. The matter should go to the Supreme Court to decide," Sigalovitch stated, reiterating that any interpretation of his remarks as support for Abu Shehadeh's disqualification misrepresents his actual statements. He maintained that his position has not changed.

Separately, Sigalovitch expressed a personal view that Abu Shehadeh should not run in the upcoming elections. He noted this is not an isolated opinion, citing that "many academics, lawyers, and politicians in the Arab community" have urged Abu Shehadeh to withdraw his candidacy via social media. He also mentioned that voices within the Balad party and the Joint List share this view, naming Professor Raif Zureik among them.

Sigalovitch concluded by stressing that his call for Abu Shehadeh not to run is distinct from his principled rejection of the disqualification, reiterating his personal belief that not running would be the better choice for Abu Shehadeh.