Who they are
Haitham Zahalka is a lawyer and deputy mayor of Kafr Qara, where he lives. He is a Ta’al candidate.
He was serving as deputy head of Kafr Qara local council by 2019 and chaired its street-naming committee in 2022. The council chose him as a deputy mayor and its planning-committee representative in 2024.
Positions and record
Policing: In August 2024, called for police to prevent shootings, criticising their arrival only after killings occur.
Drug prevention: In February 2019, supported combining prevention and awareness programmes as a long-term response to drug use among young people.
Palestinian heritage: In August 2022, supported naming streets after depopulated Palestinian villages and historical figures to preserve their memory among younger generations.
Where they stand
Holds the Ta'al line on every issue.
Judea & SamariaTa'al 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 & SecurityTa'al 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 EnlistmentTa'al 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
JudiciaryTa'al lineThe court as rights guarantor
Court can strike lawsKnesset can override
EconomyTa'al 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
EducationTa'al 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 & StateTa'al lineSeparation of religion and state, with freedom of conscience and belief, written into a constitution of equal citizenship.
Civil / pluralistReligious authority
Nation & CitizenshipTa'al 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
