Israeli Politician Yosef Haddad Denies Past Support for Palestinian State

Yosef Haddad, the second-highest-ranking official in the "Am Israel" party led by Ofer Winter, has publicly stated that his past support for a Palestinian state has changed. The controversy arose from a video clip shared by journalist Mohammed Majadleh, featuring an interview Haddad gave in Arabic to Saudi channel Al-Arabiya over five years ago. In the clip, Haddad expressed support for a two-state solution, stating it "must happen." He also linked the advancement of Arab Israeli citizens' integration into senior government positions to the possibility of discussing a Palestinian state. Haddad has since vehemently denied the implication that his views remain unchanged, calling the video an "edited" and "false" dissemination. He compared the tactic to using an old photo of Netanyahu with Arafat to suggest current endorsement. Haddad asserted that in the same interview, he also refuted claims of apartheid, identified Iran as the true threat, and labeled Hamas a terrorist organization. He explained that his stance on a Palestinian state shifted during Operation Guardian of the Walls, after witnessing Arab citizens of Israel unite with Palestinians who set fire to mixed cities. The October 7th Hamas massacre, he stated, further clarified the nature of the Palestinians. Haddad emphasized that the "Am Israel" party's platform explicitly opposes the establishment of a Palestinian state on any part of the Land of Israel and aims to reclaim land for Israel. He further claimed to be the most threatened individual by Palestinians, citing threats and a fatwa issued against him in Gaza, labeling him a collaborator and traitor. He concluded by decrying the "spin and lies."