Updated

Israel's Supreme Court unanimously overturned an election panel's ban on Arab-led parties Ra'am and the Joint List, as well as on MK Ofer Cassif, finding they did not meet the criteria for disqualification over alleged racist incitement or support for armed conflict against Israel. However, the court separately upheld barring Balad leader Sami Abu Shehadeh over an article he wrote on 8 October 2023, prompting him to withdraw his own candidacy, which he called the hardest decision of his political career; Balad said he would remain party leader while the Joint List continues campaigning. The rulings have fuelled debate over shrinking Palestinian political participation in Israel's upcoming elections, with commentators noting the Arab electorate's diminishing representation and far-right figures like Itamar Ben Gvir celebrating Abu Shehadeh's removal.