Who they are
Maha Karkabi-Sabah is a social activist and faculty member in Ben-Gurion University’s Department of Sociology and Anthropology. She was born and raised in Shefa-Amr and lives there.
She took degrees at the University of Haifa and earned a doctorate in sociology at Tel Aviv University in 2015. She held postdoctoral fellowships at SOAS, Tel Aviv and Ben-Gurion universities. She joined Ben-Gurion’s sociology faculty in 2020 and founded its family studies centre.
Positions and record
Women’s representation: In July 2026, called for party mechanisms that protect women’s representation through political upheaval and for women to hold decision-making positions.
Organised crime: In June 2026, identified violence and organised crime in Arab society as her main parliamentary priority, drawing on her research into the subject.
Media representation: In August 2019, called for coverage of Arab citizens beyond violent incidents, arguing that exclusion and stereotypes deepen divisions and harm both Arab and Jewish citizens.
Young people: In July 2026, backed programmes to strengthen young people’s economic and social position, particularly young men, and enable their participation in politics.
Where they stand
Holds the Balad line on every issue.
Judea & SamariaBalad 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 & SecurityBalad 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 EnlistmentBalad 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
JudiciaryBalad lineThe court as rights guarantor
Court can strike lawsKnesset can override
EconomyBalad 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
EducationBalad 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 & StateBalad lineSeparation of religion and state, with freedom of conscience and belief, written into a constitution of equal citizenship.
Civil / pluralistReligious authority
Nation & CitizenshipBalad 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
