Arab Society Targets Youssef Haddad with Death Threats, Vandalism

The "Am Israel" party is reporting an escalation of threats and incitement against its number two candidate, Youssef Haddad, following his decision to join the party and run in the upcoming elections. Haddad, an Arab Israeli influencer and activist, has been subjected to online threats, including direct messages that endanger his life. One such message from an Arab Israeli user stated, "The days will come and we will see who gets murdered." In addition to personal threats, a billboard featuring Haddad alongside party chairman Ofer Winter, placed near the city of Shfaram, was vandalized with the words "Haddad is a traitor."

Haddad responded to the threats, stating, "The extremists in Arab society are afraid of the message that the Am Israel party brings, and rightly so. They don't want a party that cares for Nazareth, Shfaram, and Rahat, but rather Ramallah, Jenin, and Gaza again. Who am I betraying? My country? My society? If they think their threats and incitement will deter me or stop me, they are greatly mistaken. We will continue with all our might and bring two mandates from Arab society, despite the extremists."

Party chairman, retired Brigadier General Ofer Winter, described the severity of the incitement against Haddad. "The use of the word 'traitor' and death threats on social media raise the danger level to new heights," Winter said. "Am Israel and I will stand by Youssef in the complex mission he has taken upon himself to explain Israel to the world, and we will not allow anyone to harm him or threaten his life."