Ben-Gvir Demands Supreme Court Publish Justification for Abu Shehadeh Disqualification

Minister of National Security Itamar Ben-Gvir is demanding that the Supreme Court publish a reasoned ruling regarding the disqualification of Sami Abu Shehadeh, chairman of the Balad party. Abu Shehadeh withdrew his candidacy for the 26th Knesset on Friday following a strong indication from the Supreme Court that a majority of the nine-judge panel, led by President Yitzhak Amit, would approve his disqualification. At the conclusion of the hearing, the justices offered Abu Shehadeh a dramatic choice: withdraw his candidacy to avoid a ruling that would bar him from running.

Balad's leadership convened and, in coordination with Abu Shehadeh, agreed to his withdrawal, citing political responsibility to the party, the Joint List, and their constituents. The party stated that Abu Shehadeh had fought the legal and political battle to the end, defending his right and his public's right to political representation.

Despite Abu Shehadeh's withdrawal, Ben-Gvir's party, Otzma Yehudit, insists the Supreme Court must still issue a reasoned decision. Ben-Gvir argues that the case is a fundamental issue concerning the standard of proof required to disqualify candidates.

In parallel, the Supreme Court ruled that Member of Knesset Ofer Cassif, the Ra'am party, and the Joint List would be permitted to run in the elections.