Haaretz Columnist Criticizes Barring Arab Candidate, Cites Double Standards

Haaretz columnist Gideon Levy has criticized the Israeli Supreme Court's decision to disqualify Sami Abu Shehadeh, head of the National Democratic Alliance party, from running in the Knesset elections. Levy believes the ruling signifies a decline in the court's ability to protect political free speech and indicates that different standards are being applied to Arab and Jewish citizens.

Levy noted that National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir celebrated the court's decision, which was based on a majority finding that Abu Shehadeh should be disqualified. He pointed out the paradox of individuals convicted of crimes or supporting terrorism being able to hold political office, while Abu Shehadeh is barred due to his stances and statements.

The columnist recalled a previous stance by former Central Elections Committee president, Judge Mishael Heshin, who opposed the disqualification of former MK Azmi Bishara despite more serious accusations, arguing that Israeli democracy could withstand exceptional positions. Levy highlighted that the court session on disqualifying Arab parties lasted about nine hours, with roughly three hours dedicated to Abu Shehadeh's case. He criticized the judges' questions, including demanding Abu Shehadeh provide an essay in English describing Hamas as a terrorist organization.

Levy argued that the court's focus on testing Abu Shehadeh's positions and statements, without applying the same standards to Jewish candidates, narrows the scope of political expression available to Palestinian citizens of Israel. He concluded that the disqualification decision reflects a regression in Israeli democracy, leaving Palestinian citizens facing increasing restrictions on political expression and electoral participation.