Ben-Gvir Pursues Legal Action Against Arab Politician After Candidacy Withdrawal

Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir is continuing legal efforts against Sami Abu Shehadeh, head of the National Democratic Alliance party, even after Abu Shehadeh announced he was withdrawing his candidacy for the Knesset. Ben-Gvir has appealed to the Supreme Court for a "reasoned ruling" against Abu Shehadeh, following the President of the Supreme Court, Yitzhak Amit, rejecting an objection to a recommendation made against the party leader. Ben-Gvir stated that Abu Shehadeh should not be able to withdraw his candidacy and end proceedings without a "principled decision." He requested the Supreme Court issue a ruling clarifying the evidentiary standard required to disqualify a candidate for supporting armed struggle against Israel, calling it a "principled issue" that requires a clear future answer.

The Supreme Court President had previously recommended that Abu Shehadeh consider withdrawing his candidacy after a judicial panel indicated a potential majority to disqualify him. Following this recommendation, Abu Shehadeh consulted with his party and legal team before announcing his withdrawal.

Separately, the Supreme Court later overturned decisions by the Central Elections Committee to disqualify the Joint List and the United List, as well as MK Ofer Cassif, allowing them to participate in the elections.

The National Democratic Alliance stated that Abu Shehadeh fought the legal and political battle against the "fascist right and Zionist consensus" until the end. The party emphasized that Abu Shehadeh's withdrawal was only announced after the court signaled a majority would uphold his disqualification, which they claim "exposed" the Supreme Court. The party asserted that the issue transcends Abu Shehadeh's personal candidacy, raising serious questions about the limits of political legitimacy for Arab citizens and the use of disqualification to narrow Arab political action and suppress national stances outside the Israeli consensus. The party stressed that this decision is not a retreat from their positions or a submission to incitement, and that Abu Shehadeh will continue to lead the party in future political and public endeavors.