אירוע היסטורי

For a long time, over the past 20 years , the chairpersons of the committee—a position I now hold—maintained neutrality and refrained from participating in the vote. Initially, I thought it would be appropriate for me to follow this same line, and I even mentioned this in my opening remarks. But, I say with regret, alongside the serious claims made against Sami Abou Shahadeh, I did not find a satisfactory answer in his words or in the words of his lawyers, and therefore, even knowing that this is rare. But if I spoke at the beginning of my remarks about the dilemma and the conflicting considerations that such a proceeding can raise, then if there is a case where the prohibition is clear, I do not see a way for me to exempt myself and abstain from the vote. Therefore, I decided to participate in the vote regarding the consideration of support for armed struggle. 31 in favor, four against, the Central Elections Committee has decided to determine that Mr. Sami Abou Shahadeh is disqualified from running in the 26th Knesset elections, according to sections 7a (1) and 7a (3) of the Basic Law: The Knesset.