New Party Leader Warns Likud Attacks Will Boost Right-Wing Votes

Yosef Haddad, the second-ranked candidate for the "Am Israel" party, has issued a strong response to reports that the Likud party plans to actively work to prevent his party, led by retired Brigadier General Ofer Winter, from crossing the electoral threshold. Haddad stated that these attempts to undermine them will backfire and ultimately benefit the entire right-wing bloc.

This comes amid concerns within the Prime Minister's office about "vote burning" within the right-wing camp. Haddad asserted that the "Am Israel" party's base is energized and polls indicate a public desire for genuine change. He emphasized that his party is uniquely positioned to break through, reclaim lost votes for the right, and unite different segments of the population. Haddad declared their firm intention to contest the election without hesitation.

Senior Likud sources revealed a strategic decision to adopt a more aggressive stance against Winter, believing that legitimizing him or seeking agreements only strengthens his appeal among right-wing and religious Zionist voters. The Likud fears both Winter's party failing to pass the electoral threshold, leading to the loss of tens of thousands of votes, and uncertainty about whether Winter would commit to joining a Netanyahu-led bloc after the elections.

The political arena awaits a formal statement from "Am Israel" party chairman Ofer Winter, expected later today, addressing the ongoing controversy and the direct attacks from the ruling party.