Balad party chairman Sami Abu Shahadeh responded to the discussion regarding his disqualification in the Central Elections Committee, stating: "I want to reassure both those who wish me well and the Kahanists alike: no one convicted of incitement to terrorism, or any other racist, will move me from the path I am walking." He added: "Unfortunately, some leaders of the 'opposition' have decided to cooperate with the illegitimate attempt to silence the Arab voice at the ballot box through my removal as a public representative in the Knesset. It's important for me to tell you: the attempt to be a pale imitation of the right did not help you before and will not help you now."