Internal Strife Plagues Hadash Party Amidst Candidate Withdrawals

The Democratic Front for Peace and Equality (Hadash) is experiencing significant internal turmoil as two prominent figures have withdrawn from contention for the second seat on the party's Knesset list. Lawyer Shadi Shuwayri, former head of the Kfar Yasif local council, officially announced his withdrawal from the race on September 5, 2026. This follows the earlier withdrawal of political activist and director of the "Mada al-Arab" center, Jaafar Farah, from the same position.

Farah's decision came after extensive internal meetings and discussions involving Hadash and Communist Party leadership, including figures like Muhammad Barakeh and Hanna Sweid, who attempted to resolve the growing crisis. Shuwayri's subsequent withdrawal further complicates the situation, leaving party leadership to determine who will fill the crucial second spot on the list.

Farah's initial withdrawal sparked protests and internal dissent within Hadash. Shuwayri's exit adds another layer of uncertainty, increasing anticipation about the eventual candidate. The party's national council and relevant organizational bodies are now tasked with deciding the selection process.

In parallel with these developments, a protest took place in Shfaram on Saturday, coinciding with a meeting of Hadash cadres. The protest, which saw heated exchanges, was a response to Farah's withdrawal, with participants demanding he reverse his decision. Organizers stated the issue transcends the individual candidate, emphasizing the public's right to choose their representatives.

Discussions within Hadash and the Communist Party have been ongoing regarding Farah's candidacy, particularly after allegations of harassment surfaced, with the "Al-Sawar" and "Women Against Violence" associations reportedly possessing additional testimonies. Hanna Sweid stated that Farah's withdrawal was coordinated with and approved by the party leadership, not an individual act.

Muhammad Barakeh addressed the protesters, urging calm and emphasizing the need to maintain party unity. He acknowledged the protesters' voices but cautioned against disruptive behavior, stressing the broader political goal of opposing the right-wing government and strengthening the Arab public's political standing.

Lawyer Bassim Asfour explained his own withdrawal from the race, stating his candidacy was initially intended to unify the party, a move agreed upon by Farah. However, he withdrew when circumstances changed, aiming to prevent further division. He stressed the current need for unity against the government's policies.

Following Farah's and Shuwayri's withdrawals, seven candidates are now competing for the second seat: Samir Abu Zeid, Bassim Asfour, Mustafa Abu Riya, Nabil Hallaj, Omar Waqed Nassar, Nisreen Markus, and Marwan Mashraqi. The outcome of their competition is highly anticipated amidst the ongoing internal developments within Hadash as they prepare for the upcoming Knesset elections.