Sami Abu Shehadeh
Israel
Balad
Knesset member
government
Sami Abu Shehadeh is a Palestinian Israeli politician. He is the leader of Balad, and served as a member of the Knesset for the Joint List from 2019 to 2022.
Standing...
Stories...
Oct 5, 2026
Far Right
The Balad leader was the subject of a disqualification effort supported by the Democrats.
Religious Zionism sees him as a radical Arab nationalist who should be barred from the Knesset, and the debate highlights Arab party disarray.
Oct 2, 2026
Far Right
Balad chairman withdrew from the Knesset race after Supreme Court justices indicated a majority would disqualify his candidacy.
Seen by Religious Zionism as a provocateur whose post-October 7 statements made him unfit for the Knesset; his exit is a vindication of Otzma Yehudit's campaign against Arab party legitimacy.