Sami Abu Shahada to Channel 14 reporter: "You are supporters of terror" | Watch

Sami Abu Shahada, chairman of Balad, called a Channel 14 reporter a "terror supporter" during a confrontation at the launch event of the Joint List's election campaign. The event was held on the anniversary of the October 7 massacre, and organizers prevented the channel's reporter from entering, contrary to a High Court ruling. The timing and remarks sparked sharp reactions on air.

Sami Abu Shahada, chairman of the Balad party and former Knesset member, called Channel 14 reporter Avraham Hasson a "terror supporter" during a direct verbal confrontation at the launch event of the Joint List's Hebrew election campaign. The event took place this evening (Monday, October 5, 2026), on the anniversary of the October 7 massacre. The event organizers refused to allow the channel's crew to enter and cover the event, contrary to a 2022 High Court ruling requiring all media outlets to be admitted to a political event of public interest. In footage broadcast live, Hasson is seen approaching Abu Shahada and asking why Channel 14 was not allowed in. Abu Shahada replied: "Because you are supporters of terror." Hasson responded that Abu Shahada was the one who was expelled from the Knesset on charges of supporting terror, and asked if Hamas is a terrorist organization. Abu Shahada retorted: "You are terror." Presenter Yehuda Shlezinger commented that "the irony is crashing, delusional." The reporter and presenter expressed astonishment at the audacity of holding a festive political event specifically on the anniversary of the massacre.