Former Netanyahu Aide Slams "New, Bad Right" Attacking Arab Israeli Activist

Ran Baratz, who previously led public diplomacy for Prime Minister Netanyahu's office, has strongly criticized segments of the Israeli right for attacking Arab Israeli activist Yosef Haddad. Baratz stated that the right-wing criticism against Haddad, who expressed a desire for peace in 2021 while emphasizing the need to address the issues of Arabs within Israel, does not represent true right-wing ideology but rather a "new and bad thing" happening to the right. He argued that those attacking Haddad often lack his extensive experience and the personal costs he has incurred working for Israel. Baratz suggested that if the right cannot comprehend the complex position of an Arab citizen who views Jewish Israel as their state, a situation analogous to the Jewish diaspora experience, then it is unfit to govern. He also addressed Likud members who criticized Haddad for previously supporting the eventual possibility of a Palestinian state, pointing out that such sentiments were not uncommon within the Likud and from the Prime Minister himself before October 7th. Baratz highlighted Haddad's role as a Christian advocate for Israel, calling him a national asset, especially during a time when Christians are distancing themselves from Israel amidst widespread antisemitic defamation. He concluded that attacking Haddad is both a moral and practical failure, providing ammunition to those who defame Israel, and urged for a national consideration of the situation.