At a meeting of the National Secretariat of Hadash (the Democratic Front for Peace and Equality) held on Saturday, April 18, the leadership officially scheduled internal primary elections for May 16. Over 900 delegates are expected to participate in selecting the front Knesset candidates.

The Secretariat emphasized that these elections are a critical step in a broader strategy to re-establish the Joint List. This initiative aims to maximize voter turnout within the Arab public and Jewish democratic forces, form a unified front to challenge the current right-wing administration, which Hadash characterizes as a “government of war, occupation, racism, and crime.”

“Hadash against war”, protesters gathering in Tel Aviv’s Habima Square, Saturday, March 14, 2026 (Photo: Eran Torbiner)

During the session, political leaders, including the Communist Party of Israel Secretary-General Adel Amer and Hadash Secretary Amjad Shbita, addressed the regional political situation. Discussions centered on the fragile ceasefire, the risk of renewed war on Iran and Lebanon, and the concerning rise of internal fascism and ongoing occupation of Palestinian, Lebanese and Syrian territories.

“The establishment of the Joint List is not merely a tactical maneuver,” Hadash stated in an official communique. “It is a fundamental mission to shift the political balance of power and intensify the struggle against the occupation.” In addition to election preparations, Hadash leadership issued a formal call for public mobilization. Activists and supporters are urged to participate in International Workers’ Day events on Friday, May 1, in Tel Aviv, on Saturday, May 2 in Nazareth and other localities.

Related: https://maki.org.il/en/?p=33368