Supreme Court Hears Appeals on Disqualification of Arab Candidates from Knesset Elections

Israel's Supreme Court convened on Thursday to hear appeals against the Central Elections Committee's decision to disqualify several Arab candidates and lists from running in the upcoming 26th Knesset elections. The candidates and lists facing potential disqualification include Sami Abu Shehadeh, head of the National Democratic Alliance, and Knesset Member Ofer Cassif, along with the Joint List and the United Arab List.

The appeals follow the Central Elections Committee's September 23, 2026, ruling to bar these candidates and lists from participating in the elections. The Supreme Court's decision will ultimately determine their fate in the upcoming vote.

Separate hearings were scheduled throughout the day, starting with Sami Abu Shehadeh at 10:00 AM, followed by Ofer Cassif at 11:30 AM. The Joint List's hearing was set for 2:00 PM, and the United Arab List's hearing for 3:30 PM.

Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir arrived at the Supreme Court in Jerusalem ahead of the hearings. He is participating in the session concerning Abu Shehadeh's disqualification, representing the Otzma Yehudit party alongside MK Tal Gottlieb.

Following the appeal hearing for Sami Abu Shehadeh, he and MK Ofer Cassif, along with their legal representatives from Adalah, are scheduled to hold a press conference outside the Supreme Court to address the media.