Who they are
Faten Ghattas directs the Israel Cancer Association’s work in Arab society, from an office at the Holy Family Hospital in Nazareth. He lives in the Galilee village of Rameh and holds a doctorate in political science from Sofia University.
He heads the oversight committee of the Israeli Communist Party, has long been active in its leadership and in Hadash, and stood for the Rameh local council in 2013.
Positions and record
Tobacco control: In May 2023, called for enforcement of tobacco rules in Arab communities and for excluding tobacco-company lobbyists from parliamentary committee discussions.
Youth smoking: At a May 2021 public-health conference, presented an Arabic campaign against youth smoking and identified weak enforcement by Arab local authorities as an obstacle.
Health communication: In September 2020, criticised the exclusion of Arab professionals from coronavirus decisions and the lack of consistent public information in Arabic.
Where they stand
Holds the Hadash line on every issue.
Judea & SamariaHadash lineEnd the occupation: a Palestinian state on the 4 June 1967 lines with East Jerusalem as its capital, talks with the PLO, and a just solution for refugees under Resolution 194.
Two states / withdrawalSovereignty / annexation
Gaza & SecurityHadash lineMake the end of the war permanent, lift the siege and end military control of Gaza, with aid, rebuilding, the return of the displaced and UNRWA back at work.
Deal & disengagementFull military control
Haredi EnlistmentHadash lineOpposes drafting Haredim or anyone else and would sanction no one who does not enlist; rejects military and civil service schemes for Arab youth.
Universal draftPreserve exemptions
JudiciaryHadash lineThe court as rights guarantor
Court can strike lawsKnesset can override
EconomyHadash lineA minimum wage of at least 70% of the average wage, progressive tax, price controls on basics, and no privatisation of health, education, housing or welfare.
Social spendingFree market
EducationHadash lineArab schools run themselves, setting their own curriculum and administration, on budgets equal to Jewish schools' and with no privatisation.
State runs the schoolsParents and communities
Religion & StateHadash lineSeparation of religion and state, with freedom of conscience and belief, written into a constitution of equal citizenship.
Civil / pluralistReligious authority
Nation & CitizenshipHadash lineEqual citizenship in a constitution, recognition of Arab citizens as an indigenous national group, and repeal of the Nation-State Law.
Equal citizenshipJewish national state
