Abu Shahada was asked if he recognizes a Jewish state – and responded with contempt

Balad party chairman Sami Abu Shahada was asked by MK Tali Gottlieb if he recognizes a Jewish state, and responded with contempt: "What is this noise?" The exchange was recorded ahead of a High Court hearing regarding his candidacy, after the Central Elections Committee disqualified him at the request of Otzma Yehudit.

Balad party chairman Sami Abu Shahada was asked by MK Tali Gottlieb if he recognizes a Jewish state, and responded with contempt: "What is this noise?" The exchange was recorded by Gottlieb and published on social media, ahead of the High Court hearing regarding Abu Shahada's candidacy. Earlier, the Central Elections Committee disqualified Abu Shahada's candidacy following a petition by the Otzma Yehudit party, claiming he undermines the existence of the State of Israel as a Jewish state. The High Court hearing is expected to decide on Abu Shahada's appeal against the disqualification. Abu Shahada's contemptuous response to Gottlieb's question adds to the legal proceedings and sparks public debate about his positions.