Arab-Israeli Candidate Joseph Haddad Faces Death Threats, Vandalism

Joseph Haddad, the second-ranked candidate for the "Am Israel" party, has been subjected to escalating threats and incitement, including direct death threats and vandalism of a billboard featuring his image near Shfaram. The party reported that these threats intensified following Haddad's joining the Zionist party and the launch of its campaign within the Arab community.

Social media posts directed at Haddad included messages such as "The days will come and we will see who gets murdered." Concurrently, a billboard displaying Haddad and party chairman, retired Brigadier General Ofer Winter, was defaced with the word "traitor" spray-painted on it.

Haddad stated that extremists within the Arab community fear the message of the "Am Israel" party, which aims to serve Arab towns like Nazareth, Shfaram, and Rahat, rather than Ramallah, Jenin, and Gaza. He questioned his alleged betrayal, asking if he was betraying his country or his society.

"If they think their threats and incitement will deter me or stop me, they are greatly mistaken," Haddad declared. "We will continue with all our might and bring two mandates from the Arab community, despite the extremists."

Ofer Winter condemned the incitement as dangerous, noting that the use of the word "traitor" and death threats online escalates the danger significantly. He affirmed that the "Am Israel" party and he stand with Haddad in his mission to explain Israel globally and will not allow anyone to harm or threaten his life.