Hadash

in Israel. The speaker is Dov Khenin; Ayman Odeh is standing to his left and Mohammad Barakeh on his right , Tel Aviv 2012. The banner in Hebrew and Arabic states: "The people demand social justice" Hadash, officially the Democratic Front for Peace and Equality, is a left-wing to far-left political coalition in Israel formed by the Communist Party of Israel (Maki) and other groups. In August 2026, the party joined Ta'al and Balad in re-establishing the Joint List ahead of the 2026 election.

in Israel. The speaker is Dov Khenin; Ayman Odeh is standing to his left and Mohammad Barakeh on his right , Tel Aviv 2012. The banner in Hebrew and Arabic states: "The people demand social justice" Hadash, officially the Democratic Front for Peace and Equality, is a left-wing to far-left political coalition in Israel formed by the Communist Party of Israel (Maki) and other groups. In August 2026, the party joined Ta'al and Balad in re-establishing the Joint List ahead of the 2026 election. ==History== ===Foundation and original program=== Hadash was formally established on 7 March 1977 in Tel Aviv, following a resolution by the 18th Congress of the Communist Party of Israel (Rakah) held in December 1976, in preparation for the 1977 elections. The congress called for a "broad front of all peace-loving and democratic forces" to provide a political alternative to the ruling Labor and Likud blocs. The coalition adopted the Hebrew letter "Vav" ( ) as its electoral sign. The founding member organizations and adhering groups included: The Communist Party of Israel (Rakah) The Black Panthers of Charlie Biton's faction (several others in Saadia Marciano's faction joined the Left Camp of Israel) Elected local officials from Arab towns and villages The Israeli Left Socialists (Shasi) Members of various kibbutzim The Israeli Communist Opposition (Aki), which had been founded by former Maki leader Esther Vilenska prior to her death in 1975¹, and was later joined by Shmuel Mikunis. A circle of academics, including Daniel Amit and other public figures. The coalition was organized under a central directing board representing all component parts to manage the election campaign and ensure ongoing cooperation. The founding declaration established a "minimum program" consisting of six core principles: Just and stable peace: A settlement based on the total withdrawal of Israel from territories occupied in 1967¹, recognition of the Palestinian people's right to self-determination and an independent state alongside Israel, and the participation of the PLO as the recognized representative of the Palestinian people in the Geneva Peace Conference. Workers' rights: Defense of the interests of workers in production and services, and the rights of residents in impoverished urban neighborhoods. Equality for Arab citizens: The elimination of all forms of national discrimination and the recognition of the Arab population in Israel as a national minority with secure equal rights. Elimination of ethnic discrimination: An end to communal discrimination against Mizrahi Jews, supported by the allocation of special funds to raise their socio-economic and cultural status. Democratic freedoms: The protection and expansion of democratic freedoms against the threat of right-wing or fascist forces. Women's rights and secularism: Securing full equal rights for women, the cancellation of discriminatory legislation, and the prevention of religious coercion to ensure freedom of opinion and faith. ==Policies and ideology== at a Hadash rally against the 2006 Lebanon War. Hadash is a left-wing party that has supported a socialist economy and workers' rights. It emphasizes Jewish–Arab cooperation, and its leaders were among the first to support a two-state solution. Its voters are principally middle-class and secular Arabs, many from the north and Christian communities. It also drew 6,000–10,000 far-left Jewish voters during national elections in the 2010s. The party supports evacuation of all Israeli settlements, a complete withdrawal by Israel from all territories occupied as a result of the Six-Day War, and the establishment of a Palestinian state in the West Bank and Gaza Strip. It also supports the right of return or compensation for Palestinian refugees. In addition to issues of peace and security, Hadash is known for being active on social and environmental issues. In keeping with socialist ideals, Hadash's environmental platform, led in the 2010s by Maki official Dov Khenin, calls for the nationalization of Israel's gas, mineral, and oil reserves. Hadash has called for the recognition of Palestinian Arabs as a national minority within Israel. It has in recent times included elements of Arab nationalism in its platform. Hadash shifted to a more Arab nationalist appeal after running on a joint list with Ta'al in 2003. In 2015, Hadash declared its support for international campaigns against companies operating in the occupied Palestinian territories. ==Controversy== On 1 November 2009, then party leader Mohammad Barakeh was indicted on four counts for events that occurred between April 2005 and July 2007: assault and interfering with a policeman in the line of duty, assault on a photographer, insulting a public servant, and attacking an official who was discharging his legal duty. The charges related to his role in a protest against Israeli government policy, and were considered controversial mainly by those who opposed such protests. ==Election results== ==Leaders== Hadash’s leadership structure includes both a chairperson, who serves as the coalition’s political head, and a secretary-general, who is responsible for organizational and operational leadership. ==Notes== ==References== ==Further reading== ==External links== Official website Hadash Knesset website

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