Feiglin Links Support for Palestinian State to Israeli Identity

Moshe Feiglin, chairman of the Zehut party and recently joined to Bezalel Smotrich's party, commented on a video of Yosef Haddad, candidate number 2 for the 'Am Israel' party. In the video, Haddad, speaking about five years ago, expressed support for a two-state solution. Feiglin criticized this, stating that anyone who accepts the invention of Israeli national identity as a substitute for Jewish national identity must also accept the invention of Palestinian national identity as a substitute for Arab national identity. Feiglin added that while he sympathizes with Arabs who served in the IDF and allied with Israelis, the necessary correction after recent atrocities cannot rely on sympathy or populism but on a deep exploration of truth.

In response to the controversy, Haddad clarified that the video was an edited clip from a Saudi television interview over five years ago. He stated that this is not the first time lies have been spread against him or his party, and that his actions and views are well-known. Haddad compared the tactic to using an old photo of Netanyahu shaking hands with Arafat to create a false narrative. He also noted that in the same interview, he refuted the apartheid lie, identified Iran as the real threat, and defined Hamas as a terror organization.

Haddad further explained that his views on a Palestinian state changed during Operation Guardian of the Walls, when he witnessed the union of Palestinians and internal Arab rioters. He believes the events of October 7th solidified this understanding for everyone. Haddad asserted that a Palestinian state will not be established, and his party's principles clearly state that no Palestinian state will be formed on the lands of the Land of Israel. Instead, he stated, they will work to return lands to the Land of Israel. He accused those trying to portray him as a supporter of Palestinians of resorting to low-level spins and lies, emphasizing that he is actively fighting against Palestinian identity and is considered a top threat by Palestinians who view him as a collaborator and traitor.