New Israeli Party Sets Non-Negotiable Conditions for Coalition Entry

The newly formed Israeli party 'Am Israel' (People of Israel), led by former IDF Brigadier General Ofir Winter, has declared its non-negotiable conditions for joining any future coalition government. At a press conference in Tel Aviv on Wednesday, Winter and party candidate Yosef Haddad stated that the party will not enter any government that does not first pass a national service law mandating the integration of the ultra-Orthodox community into the IDF. Winter emphasized that his party is united and will not be broken by political pressures or attempts to absorb its members into other parties.

Winter also vowed to push for a commission of inquiry and a decisive military victory in Gaza, criticizing the current government's perceived failures in these areas. He reiterated his support for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as the next premier but stressed that this support is contingent on the passage of the service law before the government is sworn in. He rejected any notion of personal gain, stating the party is focused on ideology and serving the nation, and aims to be a voice for the hundreds of thousands of young people disillusioned with existing political options.

Yosef Haddad echoed Winter's sentiments, rejecting various merger proposals and outlining the party's ambition to gain broad support from the Arab-Israeli public. He announced that the party would demand the Defense Ministry portfolio for Winter and the establishment of a well-funded Ministry of Public Diplomacy. Haddad also highlighted the party's potential to attract votes from Arab Israelis, asserting that personal security and welfare are higher priorities for this demographic than the Palestinian issue.

Haddad further elaborated on the party's goals, including combating crime, particularly in the Arab community, and strengthening Arab-Israeli identity over a Palestinian one in educational institutions. He also expressed confidence in attracting young voters who he believes are looking for authentic representation and are motivated by the events of October 7th. The party aims to secure at least two Knesset seats, with a significant portion of support expected from the Arab-Israeli sector.