Balad officially announced that party chairman Sami Abu Shehadeh is withdrawing from the race for the Knesset after the Supreme Court indicated that a majority of the justices appeared poised to disqualify his candidacy. Balad said the withdrawal does not mark the end of Abu Shehadeh’s political activity or that of the party.“Abu Shehadeh continues to lead the party, Balad continues its project, and the Joint List continues its struggle to strengthen Arab representation and contribute to bringing down the Netanyahu-Ben Gvir government," the party said.