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Ofer Cassif
The Joint List · ודם

Ofer Cassif

עופר כסיף

Hadash MK and political philosopher

#5 of 9 projected seats
Safe seat
years in public service
39
issues off the Hadash line
0 of 8
Hadash · #5 on the Joint List

Who they are

Ofer Cassif has served as a Hadash MK since 2019. He sits on the Constitution and Economic Affairs committees and previously chaired the subcommittee on higher education. He lives in Rehovot.

Born in Rishon LeZion in 1964, he served in Nahal and was jailed for refusing reserve duty in the occupied territories during the first intifada. He earned a doctorate in political philosophy at the London School of Economics in 2006 and taught political science, politics and government, including at the Hebrew University.

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 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
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