Joint List Unveils Candidates with Balad's Sami Abu Shahadeh Returning to Knesset

Ahead of the 2026 Knesset elections, the Joint List announced its candidate roster, placing Youssef Jabareen, the new leader of Hadash, at the top. Jabareen recently replaced Ayman Odeh as head of Hadash, a key faction within the alliance. Following him are Ahmad Tibi, chairman of Ta'al, and Sami Abu Shahadeh from Balad, who is set to return to the Knesset after years outside.

The list also includes Jafar Farah (Hadash), Bakr Awda (Balad), and Ofer Cassif (Hadash), among others. The agreement between the parties includes rotation arrangements for candidates ranked between sixth and tenth places, following negotiations with Tibi to secure a higher position for his second candidate.

Jabareen's leadership is seen as politically significant for the opposition ahead of the elections, though he remains less known among the Jewish public. He has expressed ideological positions opposing Israel's definition as a Jewish state and has supported BDS movement activities abroad. Additionally, he has been linked to controversial support for individuals associated with terrorism, including celebrating the release of Mahmoud Jabareen, convicted of killing an Arab-Israeli citizen in the 1980s.

The Joint List's announcement marks Balad's reentry into the Knesset, with Abu Shahadeh expected to regain a seat. The coalition continues to balance diverse political views and maintain internal agreements to present a united front in the upcoming elections.