Supreme Court Considers Disqualifying Candidates, Lists for Knesset Elections

The Israeli Supreme Court convened on Thursday to review decisions by the Central Elections Committee to disqualify Sami Abu Shehadeh, head of the National Democratic Alliance, and MK Ofer Cassif, along with the Joint List and the United Arab List, from running in the 26th Knesset elections. The hearings followed the committee's September 23, 2026, decision to ban the candidates and lists, with the final ruling now resting with the Supreme Court.

During the hearing for Abu Shehadeh, which lasted from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM, MK Itamar Ben-Gvir appeared representing the Otzma Yehudit party. Ben-Gvir stated, "They want to kill us all," and when asked who "they" were, he responded, "Terrorists and Sami Abu Shehadeh and those who support them." The judges cautioned Ben-Gvir against making sweeping generalizations towards Arabs.

Justice Khaled Kabub recalled Abu Shehadeh's prior condemnations of the October 7th attacks in response to Ben-Gvir's claims. Ben-Gvir questioned the judges about how they would face soldiers if Abu Shehadeh became a Knesset member. The hearing also touched upon the broader debate regarding the Supreme Court's authority and the judicial reform, as the opposing counsel raised issues about changing laws and disqualification criteria.

Abu Shehadeh addressed the controversy surrounding an article he wrote, stating that a particular paragraph was "not written correctly" and that his intention was to warn against violence and encourage a political resolution. He affirmed his lifelong opposition to violence, noting his upbringing in Lod and his knowledge of October 7th victims. He also stated, "Hamas committed acts of terrorism and I reject them," but when asked if he considered Hamas a terrorist organization, he replied, "I do not write as you wish."

Supreme Court President Justice Yitzhak Amit informed Abu Shehadeh that the court had a decision to disqualify his candidacy and presented him with two options: to proceed with the case, resulting in a detailed ruling, or to withdraw his candidacy. Abu Shehadeh was given until the end of the day to respond. The court's decisions will determine the fate of these candidates and lists in the upcoming elections.