Supreme Court Hears Appeals on Disqualification of Arab Lists for 2026 Elections

The Supreme Court began hearings on Thursday regarding the disqualification of Arab candidate lists and former lawmakers Sami Abu Shehadeh and Ofer Cassif from running in the 2026 Knesset elections. Supreme Court President Isaac Herzog emphasized that discussions on disqualifications touch upon raw nerves in Israeli society and called for a strictly legal proceeding in the courtroom.

National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir and MK Tali Gotliv, both trained lawyers, represented the petitioning party, Otzma Yehudit. Ben Gvir arrived wearing a lawyer's gown, stating: "I do not represent only myself; I represent all those murdered on October 7th." Attorney Ze'ev Wolf, representing Otzma Yehudit, argued that the court had previously set an insurmountable threshold that needed revision, noting that Abu Shehadeh continued to publish supportive statements regarding Hamas actions even after the outbreak of the war.

Legal Arguments and Confrontations

Outside the Supreme Court entrance, supporters of Balad clashed with Minister Ben Gvir, prompting him to call out to the demonstrators. Inside the courtroom, Ben Gvir detailed various statements made by Abu Shehadeh, including praise for terrorists and criticism of targeted military operations. The court approved a motion to submit additional evidentiary material to the proceedings.

Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara and the State Attorney's Office supported Abu Shehadeh's disqualification, stating that his publications on October 8, 2023, demonstrated explicit support for armed struggle against Israel during active hostilities. MK Ofer Cassif responded to the proceedings by vowing to fight fascism and pursue regional peace and coexistence.