Israeli Election Polls Spark Heated Debate on Channel 14
A fiery exchange erupted on Channel 14's "Five" program when political analyst Shlomo Filber presented poll data suggesting that 75% of the "Am Israel" party's voters originate from the right-wing bloc. Yosef Haddad, the party's second-ranked candidate, vehemently contested these findings, asserting that internal polls indicate the party is poised to win seven to eight Knesset seats.
Haddad argued that the polls fail to capture the party's potential among Arab citizens serving in the military and national service, as well as over 100,000 new immigrants who have arrived since the start of the "Swords of Iron" war. He insisted that "Am Israel" is firmly part of the national camp and aims to expand the right-wing base rather than detract from it.
The discussion also focused on the potential for "Am Israel" to influence the formation of the next government. When questioned about endorsing Benjamin Netanyahu for prime minister, Haddad stated that the party would only recommend him after legislation is passed to regulate the status of those serving in the military and national service. This condition sparked further debate, with the program's host, Yaara Zerad, and panelists suggesting it could jeopardize the formation of a right-wing government and potentially lead to new elections.
Haddad repeatedly dismissed concerns about the party causing a repeat of the previous "Banet government" scenario, emphasizing that they would not cooperate with Arab parties, those who do not condemn terrorism, or left-wing factions. He also addressed past statements about including figures like Naftali Bennett and Avigdor Lieberman in a broader right-wing coalition, suggesting it aligns with Netanyahu's own calls for such a government.
When pressed on whether the party would withdraw if polls close to the election showed they wouldn't pass the electoral threshold, Haddad refused to commit, reiterating his confidence that "Am Israel" would be the surprise of the election with eight seats.
