Arab Israeli candidate drops out of election race

AI Summary

Arab Israeli politician Sami Abu Shehadeh withdrew from Israel's October parliamentary election after the Supreme Court indicated that most judges favored barring him from the race. Arab Israeli parties could influence the outcome, as polling suggests neither major political bloc is on track to win a majority.

Arab Israeli politician Sami Abu Shehadeh withdrew his candidacy on Thursday from October's parliamentary election after Israel's Supreme Court indicated a majority of its judges supported barring him from the race. Arab Israeli parties are seen by political analysts as potential kingmakers in the October 27 election, with polls showing neither Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's coalition nor the main opposition bloc on course for a majority.