Ofer Winter Condemns Raviv Drucker for Calling Yosef Hadad a 'Favorite Arab'

Ofer Winter, head of Yosef Hadad's political party, sharply criticized journalist Raviv Drucker for referring to Hadad as a "favorite Arab." Winter declared that Hadad will serve as Israel's Minister of Public Diplomacy and accused Drucker of fear-driven rhetoric. Winter condemned Drucker's label, emphasizing Hadad's dedication to Israel as a former IDF Golani fighter and advocate for the country on the international stage, and questioned why such a term was used simply because Hadad loves Israel and fights antisemitism.

The controversy erupted after Drucker, during a Channel 13 discussion about the "Your Israel" party, suggested that Jewish Israelis support Hadad only as a "favorite Arab." Hadad responded on X (formerly Twitter), recounting his serious injury in combat in Lebanon and the rescue efforts of four Jewish soldiers who risked their lives for him. He highlighted his decade-long commitment to public diplomacy, including work on hostile campuses, and accused Drucker of trying to diminish him while actually diminishing himself. Hadad also criticized Drucker for not applying similar labels to Jewish Israelis who criticize the state.

Winter linked Drucker's remarks to previous political controversies, including a comparison made by Gadi to Mansour Abbas, and accused Drucker of descending into baseless fear. The incident has sparked a broader debate about identity, loyalty, and racism within Israeli society and politics.