High-profile case10/4/2026

Abu Shehadeh Withdrew His Candidacy After the Supreme Court Hearing

Balad chairman Sami Abu Shehadeh withdrew from the election race after the justices of the Supreme Court indicated that there was apparently a majority in favor of disqualifying him. The court did not issue a final decision on the matter, and Balad retained its place on the Joint List.

Key facts

•Court: Supreme Court of Israel
•Election: 2026
•Abu Shehadeh was placed third on the list
•There is no final decision on his disqualification
•Balad remains on the Joint List

Why the Controversy Arose

The Central Elections Committee disqualified Abu Shehadeh’s candidacy because of his article dated October 8, 2023, in which, according to the source, he praised the Hamas attack. Abu Shehadeh was placed third on the Joint List.

What Happened at the Supreme Court

During the hearing, the justices stated that despite their differences of opinion, a majority appeared to favor upholding the Elections Committee’s decision. The following day, Abu Shehadeh withdrew his candidacy, and the proceeding therefore ended without a final judicial ruling on the legality of his disqualification.

Balad Remains in the Election

Abu Shehadeh’s withdrawal of his candidacy does not mean that Balad is leaving the Joint List with Hadash and Ta’al. The Supreme Court overturned the committee’s decisions to disqualify the Joint List, Ra’am and Knesset member Ofer Cassif, and they will therefore be able to participate in the election. Balad announced that Abu Shehadeh would continue to lead the party and take part in its election campaign.

How the Candidate List Will Change

All candidates placed after Abu Shehadeh will automatically move up one position. Baher Awawda will move from fifth place to fourth, Dr. Maha Karkabi-Sabah from eighth to seventh, and Dr. Nahaya Washahi from tenth to ninth. The top two positions will remain held by Hadash chairman Dr. Yousef Jabareen and Ta’al chairman Ahmad Tibi.

What this means for you

Voters will still be able to vote for the Joint List, including Balad as one of its constituent parties, but Abu Shehadeh’s name will not appear among the candidates. His withdrawal changes the order in which the candidates placed after him will receive seats, but he himself remains chairman of Balad.

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Case analysis based on court rulings