Balad chairman Sami Abu Shehadeh withdrew his individual candidacy after the court indicated it would maintain his ban over an article he wrote describing the Oct. 7 attacks as an important historic event. The elections committee originally sought to disqualify the Arab parties, citing members who reject Israel as a Jewish and democratic state. Palestinian citizens make up about 21% of the population and are projected to win 12 of the 120 seats in the legislature.
Wednesday, October 21, 2026
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Israel Supreme Court Reverses Ban on Arab Parties for Oct 27 Vote
World19 days ago
The Joint Arab List and Ra'am will appear on the ballot for the upcoming Knesset elections after judges unanimously overturned their disqualification. The ruling restores the candidacy of Israel's primary Arab-led political lists for the Oct. 27 vote, reversing a previous decision by the Central Elections Committee that had barred them from participating.
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