Winter's Party No. 2 Slams Likud Over Alleged Hypocrisy

Yosef Haddad, the second-ranked candidate on Ofer Winter's "Am Israel" party list, has launched a sharp attack against senior Likud politicians, accusing them of hypocrisy. Haddad claims a senior Likud official privately admitted the government's "severe failure" and the need for new leadership on the right. However, Haddad alleges this same official is now publicly denouncing his party and attempting to instill fear.

Haddad stated that the Likud official told him months ago that the government had failed and that the right-wing bloc needed new people to succeed in future elections. Now, according to Haddad, the same politician is reciting talking points that contradict his private statements, aiming to create fear around the "Am Israel" party, which he describes as "a new spirit in the right-wing camp."

The "Am Israel" party, led by retired Brigadier General Ofer Winter, is seen by some as a potential spoiler in the upcoming elections, possibly drawing votes away from the Likud and other right-wing parties. The Likud is concerned that parties failing to pass the electoral threshold could lead to a significant loss of votes for the right-wing bloc. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has previously warned against vote "waste" and called for right-wing parties to unite.

This confrontation comes amid reports that Netanyahu's office attempted to recruit Haddad to the Likud party shortly before the candidate lists were finalized. Haddad reportedly rejected these offers, choosing to remain in his second position on Winter's list. Haddad confirmed that various parties had approached members of "Am Israel" with offers but reiterated his commitment to bringing a "new spirit" to the Knesset with his current party.