Israeli Activist Joseph Haddad Joins Politics, Aims to Lead Ministry of Information

Joseph Haddad, a prominent 41-year-old Israeli Arab public diplomacy activist and social media influencer, has entered politics by joining the 'Am Israel' party, led by Ofer Winter. Haddad is positioned second on the party's list. The party, launched less than a month ago, has seen its projected seat count in recent polls rise significantly, with one poll showing it could garner six Knesset seats, potentially contributing to a right-wing bloc victory.

Haddad expressed his ambition to become Israel's Minister of Information, viewing the role as a crucial "bulletproof vest" for IDF soldiers. He believes Israel has been defeated in the realm of public diplomacy despite military successes in Gaza, the West Bank, Syria, Lebanon, Yemen, and Iran. He criticized the delayed and inadequate response to the recent "collateral damage" film "N.Z.A." by Yuval Avraham and Rachel Shur, advocating for immediate, multi-lingual press conferences and proactive counter-narratives.

He outlined a "100-day plan" for Israeli public diplomacy, emphasizing a structured, long-term strategy rather than quick fixes. Haddad asserted that his personal success in influencing opinions demonstrates the potential for a dedicated ministry. He argued that the Ministry of Information should be elevated to a status comparable to the Ministry of Defense, lamenting the current neglect of this critical front, particularly in academic institutions abroad where anti-Israel sentiment is prevalent.

Haddad explained his decision to join Ofer Winter's party, citing a shared ideology and a desire for a "new spirit." He acknowledged that while they agree on most principles, they are open to finding common ground on the remaining points. He also highlighted the party's commitment to its principles, resisting offers of secure Knesset seats from other parties before the list submission deadline.

The activist believes the 'Am Israel' party can secure two Knesset seats from the Arab Israeli community, representing voters who feel unrepresented and are disillusioned with the focus on Gaza and the Palestinian territories. He aims to shift this focus to Israeli Arab cities and communities, addressing issues like crime, education, and welfare from a position of strength and Israeli patriotism. Haddad also mentioned the party's broader platform, which includes economic, education, and diaspora affairs, and highlighted the diverse team assembled to address these issues.