Balad Party Plans Knesset Return Amid Ties to Released Terrorists

The Arab nationalist party Balad is preparing to re-enter the Israeli Knesset by forming a joint list with other Arab parties, including Hadash and MK Ahmad Tibi, ahead of the upcoming elections. The parties are currently finalizing the candidate list, with discussions underway about including Orly Noy, a Jewish representative and head of B'Tselem, known for her controversial statement labeling Israeli society as "Nazi."

Balad remains the most nationalist Arab party in Israel, with a history of opposing Zionism and openly expressing support for terrorists. The party publicly celebrated the release of Maher Younes, the terrorist who killed soldier Avi Bromberg, about two years ago. Senior Balad officials, including deputy CEO Yosef Tatur, have repeatedly praised terrorists such as Abu Ali Mustafa, George Habash, and Basil al-Araj. Tatur has also been seen awarding honors to families of terrorists, including the Bakri family, whose sons are serving life sentences for aiding a suicide bombing at the Meron junction, as well as to terrorist Zuhair Ali.

Tatur and Sami Abu Shahadeh have visited terrorist Anis Sfouri, imprisoned for planning attacks. Additionally, there are well-documented instances of former MK Hanin Zoabi dancing at the wedding of Rashdi Abu Mokh, the terrorist who murdered soldier Moshe Tamam. Despite concerns that Balad might be disqualified by the Central Elections Committee due to its positions, past rulings by the Supreme Court have allowed the party to run in elections.

The party's return to the Knesset raises questions about the political landscape and the inclusion of figures with controversial backgrounds and ideologies in Israeli parliamentary politics.