Balad leader Sami Abu Shehadeh called Israeli political leaders’ refusal to form a coalition with Arab parties “racism,” saying Palestinian citizens of Israel were being treated as illegitimate partners. Arab parties were on course to win a record 19 seats, while neither major bloc had the 61 seats needed to govern.
WHO:Sami Abu Shehadeh, leader of Israel’s Balad party
WHAT:Sami Abu Shehadeh condemned Israeli political leaders’ refusal to form a coalition with Arab parties as racist.
WHEN:Reported Oct 28, 2026 at 1:54 PM ET
WHERE:Israel
WHY:Abu Shehadeh said the refusal to partner with Arab parties treated Palestinian citizens of Israel as illegitimate political partners.
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