National Democratic Alliance

by Rebecca Weiner

The National Democratic Alliance (Balaad) is one of Israel’s Arab parties. Balaad, led by Azmi Bishara, advocates a democratic state for citizens, the return of Arab refugees from the 1948 war, Arab service in the Israeli army, Israel’s withdrawal to the 1967 borders and the formation of a Palestinian state. Azmi Bishara ran for prime minister in the 1999 elections, but dropped out two days before the elections. The party won two Knesset seats.

Source: ‘"Political Parties and Platforms." Chapter Two. Democracy In Action.