Arab Society Targets Joseph Haddad with Murder Threats

The "Am Israel" party is reporting an escalation in threats and incitement against its second-ranked candidate, Joseph Haddad, following his decision to join the party and run in the upcoming elections. Haddad, an Arab Israeli influencer, has been subjected to online threats, including direct messages endangering his life. One social media user reportedly wrote, "The days will come and we will see who gets murdered." In addition to personal threats, a billboard featuring Haddad and party chairman, retired Major General Ofer Winter, was vandalized near Shfaram with the words "Haddad traitor" spray-painted on it.

Haddad stated that extremists in Arab society fear the message of the "Am Israel" party, which he claims aims to support Arab cities like Nazareth, Shfaram, and Rahat, in contrast to what he described as a focus on Ramallah, Jenin, and Gaza. He asserted that the threats and incitement would not deter him and expressed confidence in winning two seats from the Arab community despite the opposition. He also stated his intention to be the first Arab minister in the Israeli cabinet.

Ofer Winter described the incitement against Haddad as a serious danger, noting that the use of the word "traitor" and murder threats online raises the risk level significantly. Winter pledged that "Am Israel" and he personally would stand by Haddad in his mission to explain Israel globally and would not allow anyone to harm or threaten his life.