پيتك הפתק days
to the vote
Updated
Ofer Cassif
The Joint List · ודם

Ofer Cassif

עופר כסיף

Hadash MK and political philosopher

Warning

Decision: 23 سبتمبر 2026
List decision

The Joint List was disqualified by the CEC on 23 سبتمبر 2026. The list can appeal to the Supreme Court.

Individual decision

The CEC also voted to disqualify Ofer Cassif individually. That separate decision requires Supreme Court approval before taking effect.

Source: Channel 13 News (in Hebrew)
#6 of 7 projected seats
Narrow margin
years in public service
39
issues off the party line
0 of 8

Who they are

Ofer Cassif has served as a Hadash MK since 2019. He sits on the Constitution and Economic Affairs committees and previously chaired the subcommittee on higher education. He lives in Rehovot.

Born in Rishon LeZion in 1964, he served in Nahal and was jailed for refusing reserve duty in the occupied territories during the first intifada. He earned a doctorate in political philosophy at the London School of Economics in 2006 and taught political science, politics and government, including at the Hebrew University.

His lawyer disputed a 2024 charge of assaulting a police officer. The case was awaiting a verdict in July 2026.

Positions and record

Ideology: In November 2024, described his politics as socialist and anti-Zionist, arguing that socialism and Zionism are incompatible.

Civil rights: In November 2024, opposed restrictions on anti-war demonstrations and punishment of students and workers for opposing the Gaza war.

International justice: Signed a January 2024 petition supporting South Africa’s ICJ case against Israel. A February 2024 motion to expel him from the Knesset over that support failed.

Palestinian statehood: In February 2024, backed an independent Palestinian state in the West Bank, Gaza and East Jerusalem, alongside equal rights for Arab citizens of Israel.

Criminal justice: In March 2026, opposed the death penalty for any crime and said suspects in the October 7 attacks should face trial for war crimes and crimes against humanity in an international tribunal.

Where they stand

Holds the party line on every issue.

Judea & Samariaparty lineFull withdrawal, two states
Two states / withdrawalSovereignty / annexation
Gaza & Securityparty lineSecurity through peace agreements, not military force
Deal & disengagementFull military control
Haredi Enlistmentparty lineCivil service for all communities
Universal draftPreserve exemptions
Judiciaryparty lineThe court as rights guarantor
Court can strike lawsKnesset can override
Economyparty lineSocialist economics
Social spendingFree market
Educationparty lineRuns on worker rights and Arab equality, not who controls schools
State runs the schoolsParents and communities
Religion & Stateparty lineFull separation of religion and state
Civil / pluralistReligious authority
Nation & Citizenshipparty lineA state of all its citizens, repeal the Nation-State Law
Equal citizenshipJewish national state