Deputy Chief Justice Noam Solberg, who chairs the Central Elections Committee, concluded Wednesday's hearing on the disqualification of Sami Abu Shehadeh with a striking announcement: for the first time in Supreme Court history, he will participate in the vote.
"I know this is an unusual step," Solberg stated. "Until today, all chairmen of the Elections Committee have not expressed a position or objected, but I heard all the serious matters here, and Shehadeh's words did not put my mind at ease, and therefore I will participate in the vote."
During the hearing, Abu Shehadeh attempted to explain himself, claiming he did not know the dimensions of the disaster. He added that he apologizes for his statements and would not write them today.
The Elections Committee ruled that Abu Shehadeh is disqualified from the Knesset race, with 31 members supporting disqualification and 4 opposing. The final decision now passes to the Supreme Court justices.
