Sami Abou Shahadeh
סאמי אבו שחאדה
#1 on the Balad listSeeking: Civil equality legislation
Currently
Party Chairman
Who they are
Historian from Jaffa who led Balad out of the Joint List and below the threshold in 2022; running again on the party's state-of-all-its-citizens line.
Positions & record
- Equality: A state of all its citizens, in law.
- Identity: Palestinian national identity inside Israel.
- Independence: No seat at Zionist coalition tables.
Where they stand
Judea & Samariaparty lineFull withdrawal, two states
Two states / withdrawalSovereignty / annexation
Gaza & Securityparty lineEnd the war and the blockade
Deal & disengagementFull military control
Haredi Enlistmentparty lineCivil service, no coercion
Universal draftPreserve exemptions
Judiciaryparty lineRights protection for minorities
Strengthen the courtCurb the court
Economyparty linePublic investment in Arab society
Social spendingFree market
Religion & Stateparty lineSecular state of all citizens
Civil / pluralistHalachic status quo
Career
2019
Enters the Knesset with the Joint List.
2022
Leads Balad's solo run.
2026
Runs again.