Who they are
Cassif was born in Rishon LeZion in 1964 and served in Nahal. He was jailed for refusing reserve duty in the occupied territories during the first intifada. He took a doctorate at the London School of Economics in 2006, taught at the Hebrew University and entered the Knesset in 2019. His lawyer disputed a 2024 charge of assaulting a police officer; the case was awaiting a verdict in July 2026.
Positions and record
Ideology: In November 2024, described his politics as socialist and anti-Zionist, arguing that socialism and Zionism are incompatible.
Civil rights: In November 2024, opposed restrictions on anti-war demonstrations and punishment of students and workers for opposing the Gaza war.
International justice: Signed a January 2024 petition supporting South Africa’s ICJ case against Israel. A February 2024 motion to expel him from the Knesset over that support failed.
Palestinian statehood: In February 2024, backed an independent Palestinian state in the West Bank, Gaza and East Jerusalem, alongside equal rights for Arab citizens of Israel.
Criminal justice: In March 2026, opposed the death penalty for any crime and said suspects in the October 7 attacks should face trial for war crimes and crimes against humanity in an international tribunal.
Where they stand
Holds the party line on every issue.