Full Breakdown
Supreme Court Overturns Disqualifications of Arab Parties Ahead of 2026 Knesset Election
By Drooid · · How we work
Court Rulings on Arab Party Disqualifications
A nine-justice panel of Israel’s Supreme Court ruled on appeals against Arab-affiliated candidates and lists for the 26th Knesset election. The court allowed MK Ofer Cassif (Hadash), the United Arab List (Ra’am) and the Joint List to stay on the ballot; the case concerning Balad chairman Sami Abu Shehadeh was dismissed after he withdrew his candidacy. The Cassif decision was 7-2; the rulings on Ra’am and the Joint List were unanimous.
Background & Context
The Central Elections Committee (CEC) voted in September 2026 to bar Ra’am, the Joint List, Cassif and Abu Shehadeh, invoking Israel’s Basic Law provisions that prohibit candidates who deny Israel as a Jewish and democratic state, incite racism, or support armed struggle against Israel. Because a committee vote cannot take effect without judicial approval, the appeals were automatically referred to the Supreme Court.
Timeline
- September 2026 – CEC votes to disqualify the four candidates/lists.
- October 1, 2026 – Supreme Court hearing; justices urged Abu Shehadeh to withdraw, which he did.
- October 27, 2026 – Scheduled Knesset election.
Data & Statistics
- CEC votes: Ra’am 18-5 (1 abstention); Joint List 18-5 (1 abstention); Cassif 19-5 (1 abstention); Abu Shehadeh 30-4 (plus one supporting vote).
- Supreme Court: Cassif 7-2 to allow him to run; Ra’am and Joint List unanimous 9-0 overturning the bans.
Official Statements & Responses
The Court described Cassif’s statements as “outrageous” and “repugnant” but said the evidence did not meet the “critical mass” needed for disqualification. Attorney-General Gali Baharav-Miara opposed disqualifying Ra’am and Cassif, noting the evidence fell short of the required threshold. During the hearing, justices called Abu Shehadeh’s remarks “painful, outrageous and nauseating.” After his withdrawal, the case was dismissed. Dissenting justices David Mintz and Alex Stein argued Cassif’s conduct warranted disqualification.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
One outlet reported that the Supreme Court had “unanimously overturned all the bans,” while another noted that review of Abu Shehadeh’s candidacy was still pending, reflecting differing publication times.
What’s Next
The Supreme Court must issue its final rulings on any remaining appeals by the upcoming Sunday, as required by election law. With the election set for October 27, 2026, the inclusion of Ra’am, the Joint List and Cassif on the ballot will determine the Knesset’s composition, while the status of any further challenges remains uncertain.