{
  "id": 10486435,
  "title": "Experts warn party disqualification bids risk intimidating, disenfranchising Arab voters",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/28/experts-warn-party-disqualification-bids-risk-intimidating",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-28T16:42:52.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Jerusalem Post",
    "slug": "jerusalem-post",
    "url": "https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/politics-and-diplomacy/article-910004"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The Supreme Court's upcoming hearing on Thursday could have significant implications for the upcoming Israeli election, particularly concerning the disqualification of Balad chairman Sami Abu Shehadeh, MK Ofer Cassif, and the Joint List. These cases are not just about the fate of these political figures and their respective parties, but also about the safety and freedom of Arab citizens to participate in the democratic process without fear of intimidation or disenfranchisement.\n\nDuring a briefing on Monday organized by the Carmel Forum and Adalah - The Legal Center for Arab Minority Rights in Israel, political figures, academics, and legal experts warned that the political campaign surrounding these cases could potentially have a chilling effect on Arab voters and make participating in the election feel dangerous. The speakers emphasized that the cases have become tools in a struggle for individual political survival, with the immediate stakes extending beyond the mere question of whether these candidates and alliance can compete to include their safety and the ability to vote without intimidation.\n\nThe court will hold two hearings, with the first focusing on the Central Elections Committee's decision to disqualify Abu Shehadeh. If the Supreme Court overturns the disqualification, it could send a strong message that the safety and freedom to vote for all citizens, regardless of their ethnicity, are protected under the law. However, the speakers warned that this could lead to voter deterrence and even physical violence, as the campaign against Arab parties and candidates has already begun. They stressed the importance of preventing political intimidation and ensuring that any proposed measures to monitor polling stations do not create an atmosphere of fear that could discourage Arab voters from participating in the election.",
  "summary": "Even a Supreme Court reversal may not dispel intimidation and safety fears, they say.",
  "key_points": [
    "Supreme Court hearing on Thursday could impact Israeli election.",
    "Experts warn disqualification bids risk intimidating Arab voters.",
    "Court's decision may deter voting or cause physical violence."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}