Sami Abu Shehadeh, leader of Israel's left-wing Balad party, has withdrawn from the October 27 election after the Supreme Court indicated it was likely to disqualify him over remarks concerning the Hamas-led October 7 attacks. Democracy has apparently reached the stage where candidates leave before judges formally show them the door.
Abu Shehadeh previously called October 7 an “important historical event.” He says the remark described its consequences and did not endorse the killing of roughly 1,200 people or the taking of 251 hostages.
The court treated his comments differently
The justices overturned disqualifications involving other Arab parties and Jewish Communist lawmaker Ofer Cassif, but expressed near-unanimous concern about Abu Shehadeh. Rather than await a formal ban, he left the race.
Far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir celebrated. Critics immediately pointed to the irony: Ben-Gvir has himself been convicted of inciting racism and supporting a terrorist organization yet remains a powerful candidate and minister.
The argument is larger than one ballot line
Israel allows disqualification of candidates who reject the state’s Jewish and democratic character, support armed struggle or incite racism. Applying those standards consistently has long been politically explosive.
Reuters reported the withdrawal and Supreme Court proceedings on October 2, 2026.
The legal question concerns a specific remark. The democratic question is whether identical standards apply when the speaker belongs to the majority, the minority or the cabinet.
Facts first. Side-eye included.
DJF separates what is confirmed from what is claimed—and tells you why this particular mess is worth your time.
Dana Side-Eye
Receipts, Rumors & Internet NonsenseDana reads the fine print, checks the timeline, and keeps one eyebrow permanently raised. She covers viral claims, internet pile-ons, and suspiciously convenient explanations.
“Screenshots are forever. So is the side-eye.”