Amich HaYisrael Vows Not to Sit Under Lieberman

Yosef Haddad, a prominent figure in the Amich HaYisrael party, has firmly stated that his party will not join a coalition government led by Avigdor Lieberman. This declaration comes amidst ongoing pressure from the right-wing bloc urging Amich HaYisrael and its leader, Ofer Winter, to withdraw from the upcoming Knesset elections. Haddad addressed these pressures, emphasizing that his party has clear red lines regarding potential coalition partners.

Haddad also commented on the Central Elections Committee's decision to disqualify the Joint List and Ra'am parties, predicting that the Supreme Court would overturn this ruling. He criticized Mansour Abbas, leader of Ra'am, questioning his national standing and highlighting his past refusal to label Hamas a terrorist organization and his statements regarding Jewish ties to the Western Wall. Haddad believes the Supreme Court will reinstate Abbas, along with other Arab politicians like Ahmed Tibi and Youssef Jabareen.

Despite potential court reversals, Haddad expressed strong reservations about a coalition including Mansour Abbas, calling it a "great disaster" for Arab society in Israel and its representatives. He asserted that while Abbas might be allowed into the Knesset by the court, his inclusion in a coalition would be detrimental.

Addressing his own party's electoral prospects, Haddad dismissed claims that Amich HaYisrael would not pass the electoral threshold. He cited internal polls showing the party hovering around 4-6 Knesset seats, suggesting that attacks on the party actually strengthen its support. Haddad recounted conversations with potential Likud voters who expressed concerns about Amich HaYisrael's viability and the possibility of sitting with Lieberman, concerns he directly refuted, reiterating his party's firm stance against such a scenario.