Jerusalem, October 2, 2026: Balad party leader Sami Abu Shehadeh has withdrawn his candidacy for Israel’s upcoming Knesset election after the Supreme Court indicated that a majority of its nine-judge panel supported his disqualification.

The decision followed a hearing on October 1 concerning the Central Elections Committee’s decision to prevent Abu Shehadeh from contesting the October 27 parliamentary election. Rather than issue a formal ruling, the court suggested that he withdraw his candidacy. Abu Shehadeh subsequently agreed to step aside.

The case has attracted considerable political attention because it involves questions surrounding the eligibility of candidates and the limits of political participation in Israel’s parliamentary system.

The Central Elections Committee had voted to disqualify Abu Shehadeh following controversy over an article he published shortly after the October 7, 2023 Hamas-led attack. Israeli authorities argued that the article could be interpreted as expressing support for armed struggle. Abu Shehadeh rejected that interpretation and denied supporting violence or terrorism.

During the Supreme Court hearing, Chief Justice Yitzhak Amit informed Abu Shehadeh that a majority of the judges appeared inclined to uphold his disqualification and recommended that he withdraw from the election. The court gave him an opportunity to avoid a formal ruling by voluntarily ending his candidacy.

Balad said the withdrawal would not end Abu Shehadeh’s political activities. The party stated that he would continue serving as its leader and that Balad would continue its political work.

The case is part of a broader dispute over the participation of Arab political groups in the 2026 election. The Central Elections Committee had also moved against other Arab electoral lists and candidates, with the Supreme Court considering appeals against those decisions.

Under Israeli election law, candidate disqualification is subject to specific legal conditions, including restrictions involving opposition to Israel’s character as a Jewish and democratic state or support for armed struggle against Israel by an enemy state or terrorist organization. Such cases have historically generated significant legal and political debate.

Abu Shehadeh’s withdrawal means that the Supreme Court will not need to issue a formal judgment on his individual candidacy unless circumstances change. The court is continuing to consider other election-related disqualification cases.

The development comes less than a month before Israelis are scheduled to vote. With several disputes over candidate and party eligibility still before the courts, the final composition of the electoral field remains an important issue ahead of the October 27 election.