The Balad party published an official statement tonight announcing that it accepts the recommendation of the High Court justices that Sami Abu Shehadeh will step down - thus avoiding a verdict that would harm it and other Arab parties, according to its statement.

The Balad party published an official statement tonight announcing that it accepts the recommendation of the High Court justices that Sami Abu Shehadeh will step down - thus avoiding a verdict that would harm it and other Arab parties, according to its statement.

From the Balad statement:

Sami Abu Shehadeh is withdrawing his candidacy following the announcement of his disqualification, and continues to lead the political struggle to defend Arab representation.

The party's central committee decided to approve the withdrawal of his candidacy for the elections, out of political responsibility toward our people and the Joint List, and in view of the severe consequences this would have on all political and parliamentary activity.

The decision was made only after the extent of the damage that could be caused to political parties in general and to national parliamentary activity became clear.

The decision does not constitute a retreat from the party's positions and is not a surrender to the campaign of incitement and disqualification led by the right, headed by Itamar Ben Gvir. Furthermore, this is not the resignation of Sami Abu Shehadeh from political life or from the leadership of Balad and national activity. Abu Shehadeh will continue to head the party and lead it in the upcoming political and public struggles.