Activist Joseph Haddad Seeks Information Minister Role, Vows Stronger IDF Support

Joseph Haddad, an activist running in the upcoming Knesset elections with the "Am Israel" party, has declared his ambition to become Israel's Minister of Information. He envisions a robust, well-funded ministry that acts as a "flak jacket" for IDF soldiers, addressing perceived shortcomings in Israel's current public diplomacy efforts against international content.

Haddad, who is running alongside retired Brigadier General Ofer Winter, stated his desire to lead the nation's information apparatus. He explained that his political aspirations, particularly his partnership with Winter, aim to bring a "new spirit" to the Knesset, shifting from "containment to decisive action." Haddad believes Winter, as Minister of Defense, would lead this change.

The "Am Israel" party's platform also addresses the fallout from the October 7th attacks, with Haddad asserting that current leadership is "tainted" by the events and the preceding "conception." The party proposes a consensus-based investigative mechanism, developed by legal experts, to foster national unity.

Furthermore, Haddad outlined his party's firm stance on the conscription law, emphasizing that any government coalition would be contingent on regulating the status of those serving in the military or national service. "You will serve more, you will receive more. You will not serve, you will not receive," he stated, applying this principle to all sectors of society, including Arab and Haredi communities.

Regarding a past incident where he fired his personal weapon during an altercation with a scooter rider in Jaffa, Haddad commented, "Whatever the law says, we will do," in anticipation of a potential indictment.