Arab Party Head Withdraws Knesset Candidacy Amid Disqualification Bid

The National Democratic Assembly party announced that its leader, Sami Abu Shehadeh, will not run in the upcoming Knesset elections. This decision follows a lengthy Supreme Court session where the court's president, Yitzhak Amit, indicated a majority of judges favored disqualifying Abu Shehadeh. The disqualification bid stemmed from an article he published in October 2023, which the Israeli Attorney General deemed supportive of a terrorist organization's armed struggle. The court suggested Abu Shehadeh withdraw his candidacy to avoid a formal ruling.

Minister of National Security Itamar Ben-Gvir, who initiated the disqualification request, opposed the withdrawal suggestion and pushed for a judicial decision. During the court proceedings, Abu Shehadeh maintained his commitment to legal and political action and rejected violence, while judges focused on his article and statements made after the October 7th events.

Following the court's indication, the National Democratic Assembly's Central Committee and Political Bureau met and decided to approve Abu Shehadeh's withdrawal. The party stated this was a political responsibility towards the Arab public and the Joint List, citing the serious implications for Arab political and parliamentary work. They emphasized that Abu Shehadeh fought the legal and political battle to its end, refusing to withdraw until the Supreme Court signaled a majority in favor of disqualification.

The party asserted that Abu Shehadeh's case transcends his personal candidacy, raising serious questions about the limits of political legitimacy for Arab citizens and the use of disqualification to narrow the space for Arab political action. They stressed that this decision is not a retreat from the party's positions or an end to Abu Shehadeh's political life or leadership of the party. He will continue to head the party and lead its future political and public battles.

Reactions included Knesset Member Ahmad Tibi calling the court's stance a de facto disqualification, and the Joint List labeling the developments as political persecution. The National Democratic Assembly plans to present the case to democratic forces, human rights institutions, and international forums, viewing it as part of a broader trend of restricting the political and civil rights of Palestinians in Israel. The party called for increased organization, political participation, and a strong showing at the polls as the response to the disqualification efforts.