Balad Party Chair Denies Supporting Terrorism Amid Disqualification Bid

Sami Abu Shehadeh, chairman of the Balad party, has sharply criticized the Attorney General's stance in the proceedings to disqualify him from running for the Knesset. Abu Shehadeh, who previously avoided labeling perpetrators of attacks as "terrorists," now unequivocally states, "I do not support armed struggle, I do not support Hamas, and I did not support the October 7th attack."

This declaration comes after the Attorney General recommended to the Supreme Court that Abu Shehadeh be disqualified, citing evidence that he allegedly expressed support for an armed struggle by a terror organization against Israel. Central to this is an article Abu Shehadeh published on October 8, 2023, the day after the Hamas attack, which he described as an "important historical event" militarily, politically, and strategically.

Abu Shehadeh contends that the attempt to attribute a different position to him is not an interpretation of his words but an effort to create a non-existent basis for disqualification. He asserted that the "incitement against me will not frighten me, and I will continue to fight for the principles of freedom, justice, and equality."

He also accused the Attorney General of applying a double standard, stating, "There is one law for Abu Shehadeh and another for Ben-Gvir," referring to National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir. Abu Shehadeh vowed to fight his disqualification in the Supreme Court, insisting that any decision must be based on law and evidence, not on attributing positions he never held. He concluded by stating he will continue to work for "the end of the occupation and justice for the Palestinian people."