Gaza Herald – Israel’s Central Elections Committee decided on Wednesday to disqualify the Joint List, its leader Sami Abu Shakhadeh, and MK Ofer Cassif from running in the next Knesset elections. The committee also banned the United Arab List from the electoral race.
The disqualification decisions were based on petitions submitted by far-right Yemenite parties, including Otzma Yehudit and Likud. These groups argued that the banned lists deny Israel’s existence as a Jewish and democratic state and support armed struggle.
In response to the ruling, Sami Abu Shakhadeh stated that the exclusion aims to marginalize the Arab voice and eliminate political representation for Palestinian citizens within Israel. He emphasized that the move targets the entire community.
Abu Shakhadeh confirmed that his party will appeal the decision to the Supreme Court to annul what he described as a racist ruling. He pledged to continue peaceful political struggle despite the administrative barriers imposed by the state authorities.
The human rights organization Adalah clarified that the committee’s decisions lack any legal basis. The organization noted that the rulings are issued within an inflammatory and racist atmosphere that undermines democratic principles.
Adalah predicted that the Supreme Court would likely cancel the disqualification orders. The legal body expects the court to reinstate the lists and candidates back into the electoral race to ensure fair participation.
This report was produced in the Gaza Herald newsroom.
