Ofer Winter and Yosef Haddad Launch 'Am Israel' Party
Former IDF General Ofer Winter and prominent Arab-Israeli activist Yosef Haddad have officially launched their new political party, 'Am Israel' (The People of Israel), ahead of the upcoming Knesset elections. The party aims to bring a "new spirit" to Israeli politics, emphasizing a platform focused on national security, a decisive military approach, and opposition to a Palestinian state. Winter and Haddad presented their vision during a press conference, asserting their independence from established political figures and vowing to serve only the Israeli people.
Key policy proposals include the implementation of a comprehensive conscription law that ensures equitable service and benefits for those who serve, and a firm stance against the establishment of a Palestinian state. The party also declared its opposition to international sanctions on Judea and Samaria, with Haddad stating that any sanctions on settlements are effectively sanctions on all of Israel. Winter invoked historical figures like Menachem Begin and Ze'ev Jabotinsky to underscore the Jewish people's right to the land and the ongoing existential threat from Arab adversaries, referencing the failures in anticipating the October 7th Hamas attack.
Haddad highlighted the party's unique composition, featuring a diverse range of individuals from various backgrounds, including religious Jews, Arab Christians, and secular individuals from the periphery, emphasizing their shared commitment to Israel's security and identity. He also criticized the political establishment for attempting to undermine their campaign with "spins, lies, and slander," while promising transparency and adherence to their right-wing ideology. Haddad specifically mentioned his intention to serve as Minister of Public Diplomacy, advocating for a revitalized ministry with a substantial budget to counter hostile narratives.
Both Winter and Haddad expressed confidence in their party's ability to disrupt the political landscape, attracting support from right-wing voters who felt unrepresented and young Israelis. They pledged to present detailed plans for various sectors and vowed to achieve decisive military victories, prevent a Palestinian terror state, and strengthen Israel's global public diplomacy efforts. The party leaders are committed to running independently and resisting pressure to join existing political factions, focusing on ideology over political expediency.
