Balad

The Israeli Balad political party, whose full name is the National Democratic Assembly, is a political party in Israel that primarily represents the interests and aspirations of the country's Arab citizens. Founded in 1995 by Azmi Bishara, the party has positioned itself as a staunch advocate for the rights of Arabs in Israel, promoting a platform that emphasizes equality, democracy, and the recognition of the Arab citizens of Israel as a national minority with collective rights.

Balad's values and political stance are rooted in the belief that Israel should be a "state…   for all its citizens," challenging the Jewish character of the state in favor of a more inclusive, democratic, and multicultural society. The party advocates for the full equality of its Arab citizens, not just in individual rights but also in national and collective rights, arguing for a separation of national identity and state, which would allow for a more equitable coexistence between Jews and Arabs within the country.

Furthermore, Balad supports a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, envisioning a future where an independent Palestinian state exists alongside Israel. The party also calls for the right of return for Palestinian refugees, a highly contentious issue in the Israeli-Palestinian discourse.

Balad's positions often place it at odds with the mainstream Zionist parties in Israel and have led to controversies, including legal challenges and attempts to disqualify the party from participating in elections. Despite these challenges, Balad has maintained a presence in the Israeli Knesset, although with a relatively small number of seats, reflecting its status as a party that primarily appeals to a segment of the Arab population in Israel.

In summary, Balad is a political party that seeks to redefine the state of Israel as a democracy that ensures full equality for all its citizens, irrespective of their ethnic or national background. Its advocacy for the rights of Arab Israelis, its stance on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and its vision for a more inclusive national identity make it a distinctive voice in Israeli politics, representing a perspective that is often marginalized in the broader national discourse.