Ben-Gvir Slams Court for 'Mercy' on Balad Leader Abu Shahadeh

Minister of National Security Itamar Ben-Gvir sharply criticized a recommendation by Supreme Court Justice Yitzhak Amit for Balad party leader Sami Abu Shahadeh to withdraw his candidacy for the Knesset. The controversy stems from a petition to disqualify Abu Shahadeh, following an article he published after the October 7th terror attacks. Justice Amit suggested Abu Shahadeh consider withdrawing to avoid a reasoned ruling, noting a likely majority would disqualify him. Ben-Gvir argued this offer was too lenient and harmed Israeli democracy, insisting on a clear judicial decision. He contrasted this with past disqualifications of right-wing figures, stating that Abu Shahadeh's case involves support for terrorism and murder, unlike previous instances. Ben-Gvir emphasized that the victims of the October 7th attacks deserve a definitive ruling. The Central Elections Committee had previously disqualified Abu Shahadeh by a significant majority, a decision supported by the Attorney General and the State Prosecutor due to his statements expressing support for armed struggle and Hamas. The Attorney General's office and the State Prosecutor's office also supported the disqualification in court, citing his statements of support for armed struggle and the terrorist organization Hamas.