Sami Abu Shehadeh
סאמי אבו שחאדה · Party Chairman
Who they are
Historian from Jaffa who led Balad below the threshold in 2022, won re-election as leader in the June 2026 primary, and brought the party into the revived Joint List with Hadash and Ta'al.
Positions and record
Equality: A state of all its citizens, in law.
Identity: Palestinian national identity inside Israel.
Unity: Back in the Joint List to clear the threshold together.
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