Hadash

Hadash is a left‑wing political party in Israel that represents a Jewish–Arab alliance. The name Hadash means “new” in Hebrew, and the alliance is commonly associated with the Arabic designation al-Jabha ad-Dimuqrātiya lil-Salaam wal-Mosawa (Democratic Front for Peace and Equality). Hadash was founded in 1977 by the Israeli Communist Party (Maki) together with other Jewish and Arab left‑wing groups to contest elections and promote civil rights for Arab citizens of Israel, social justice, and anti‑discrimination policies.

Ideology and positions

Hadash advocates democracy and equality for Arab citizens within Israel, along with socialist and workers’ rights-oriented policies. It supports a negotiated peace with the Palestinians and has generally supported a two‑state framework as part of its stance on regional peace. The party emphasizes minority rights, social welfare, and opposition to government overreach that affects disadvantaged communities.

Electoral activity and organization

Hadash has won representation in the Knesset at various times since the early 1980s. In the mid‑2010s it became part of the Joint List, a political alliance of several Arab parties (including Balad, Taʿal, and other groups) that runs on a common slate in Israeli elections. Within the Joint List, Hadash has continued to participate as a component party, while its own list has also appeared in some elections. The party maintains organizational ties to the broader Israeli left and to allied movements and unions.

Current status

Today, Hadash remains a minor but enduring force in Israeli politics, aligning with broader Arab and left‑wing political currents. It continues to pursue civil rights for Arab citizens, social‑economic justice, and a negotiated path to peace with the Palestinians, often operating as part of the Joint List framework in national elections.