Netanyahu's Office Tried to Dissuade Key Candidate from Joining Ofer Winter's Party

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office made last-minute efforts to undermine the new party founded by Ofer Winter, focusing on a central figure in the party's list, Yossi Haddad, who was slated for the second position. According to reports, Netanyahu's staff contacted Haddad's associates, attempting to persuade him to join the Likud party until Monday, just before Winter's "Am Israel" party officially submitted its Knesset slate. Haddad, who had been offered a protected spot in Likud, rejected these overtures and chose to remain with Winter's party. The "Am Israel" party was ultimately registered with Haddad in second place. A formal and serious offer from Likud arrived only days before Winter's party launch, at a point when Haddad had already agreed to join Winter. Despite the late offer, Haddad maintained his decision, preferring to run with the new party. Haddad stated that he chose Winter's party partly to be part of a movement bringing a "new spirit" to the Knesset. He added that while various parties approached members of "Am Israel" and himself with offers, his party would bring a fresh approach as promised, emphasizing their commitment to change and the integrity of their word.