Supreme Court Chief Justice Yitzhak Amit said during a hearing that there is a majority to disqualify Balad Chairman Sami Abu Shehadeh and that the justices "recommend that he withdraw his Knesset candidacy." According to him, "There is unanimity among the panel members that Sami Abu Shehadeh's statements are revolting and nauseating, and it appears that the result is confirmation of the disqualification with all that entails. We recommend that he consider whether he stands by his candidacy or withdraws it, which would obviate the need to issue a ruling."