Born in
Peki'in, Makhoul studied philosophy and sociology at the
University of Haifa, gaining a MA. During his time at university he also became the first chairman of the National Union of Arab Students following its establishment in 1976. After graduating he worked as a sociologist, and was a member of the
Emile Touma Institute for Political and Historical Research, Makhoul and his wife, Suad, were preparing to leave their home; Makhoul reversed his Knesset-supplied
Ford out of the driveway while his wife started their personal
Honda to pick up their twin children from school. The Honda's ignition sparked an explosion, engulfing the vehicle in flames, but Suad managed to escape the blast unhurt. Responding to the attack, Makhoul stated: "I have no doubt that this is a politically motivated event... an attempt to harm me based on my views and positions," adding that the attempt would not deter his determination to express his opinions. Golan, the primary perpetrator, committed suicide while in custody in September 2005. Rabinovitch was convicted of aiding the attempt and supplying explosive materials; while initially sentenced to four years of actual imprisonment, the Supreme Court later extended his term to five years following an appeal.
Later activities Makhoul lost his seat in the
2006 elections. Thereafter he was involved in improving ties between Maki and the
Chinese Communist Party. He became chairman of Hadash in 2023. Makhoul had two children and lived in Haifa. His brother
Ameer was a director of the
Haifa-based
Ittijah, the Union of Arab Community-Based Associations. Makhoul died on 26 December 2025, at the age of 73. ==References==