National Democratic Party (Balad)

Balad (a Hebrew acronym for National Democratic Party) is an Arab-Israeli party that was established in 1996. Balad’s platform advocates for an Israeli state which is not Jewish in character. The party also urges an Israeli withdrawal to the pre-1967 borders and the establishment of a Palestinian state living alongside Israel. Balad’s manifesto states it supports “the evacuation of all of the settlements and the removal of the racist separation fence.” Balad also states that East Jerusalem be established as the capital of a Palestinian state and the return of Palestinian refugees and their descendants to Israel. Balad demands that the Israeli government grant Arabs full autonomy in such areas as culture and education.

Balad’s economic policies are left-of–center, supporting “the adoption of a just tax policy aimed at the equitable distribution of social resources, including a capital gains tax and a policy of tax cuts in general − particularly for low-wage workers.”

In 2006, Balad Chairman Azmi Bishara led his party to the Knesset, winning three seats. However, in Israel’s 2006 defensive war against Hezbollah - the Second Lebanon War - Bishara came under suspicion for treason and aiding Hezbollah. Evidence gathered by Israel’s internal security agency suggests that Bishara was in contact with Hezbollah agents. Following the accusations and interrogations, Bishara left the country and resigned from his position in the Knesset. He is still wanted in Israel for further questioning.

In January 2009, the Israeli Central Elections Committee banned Balad and Ra’am Tal, another Arab-Israeli party, from participating in the elections, accusing the parties of incitement, supporting terrorist groups and refusing to recognize Israel's right to exist. The Supreme Court subsequently revoked the ban, allowing the party to stand in the elections. Israel has in the past banned extreme right-wing parties from running in elections such as the Kach party of Meir Kahane.

Source: The Israel Project.