Arab Israeli Candidate Recants Support for Palestinian State

Yosef Haddad, a candidate for the Knesset with the "Am Israel" party, has clarified his past statements supporting a Palestinian state, attributing his change of heart to the "Guardian of the Walls" operation in 2021. Haddad, who is second on the "Am Israel" list, stated that witnessing both Palestinians and Israeli Arabs inciting violence during the operation led him to believe that peace with them is impossible and that a Palestinian state should not be established. He aims to counter what he calls "Palestinian lies" globally to "kill the idea of a Palestinian state."

Haddad explained that a video clip resurfaced from over five and a half years ago, prior to "Guardian of the Walls" and October 7th, which showed him expressing support for a Palestinian state. He described this as a statement made during the "Deal of the Century" era, when he believed that integrating proud Israeli Arabs into key positions could lead to a resolution. He now asserts that he faces daily threats from Palestinians, who label him a collaborator and traitor, and that his current actions, not past statements, define him.

He emphasized his strong opposition to a Palestinian state, calling it an existential threat, and stated his support for the "Am Israel" party's platform, which includes voluntary emigration from Gaza as the sole solution. Haddad urged the public not to fall for propaganda campaigns against him.

The remarks have drawn criticism from right-wing politicians. Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich of the Religious Zionism party questioned the vetting process for new candidates. Moshe Feiglin, also from Religious Zionism, argued that Haddad's support for a Palestinian state is a logical consequence of accepting an Israeli national identity over a Jewish one. The "Am Israel" party defended Haddad, calling the criticism a "coordinated attack" based on old material and contrasting Haddad's service with that of Smotrich.

Other politicians, including Rafi Ben Shitrit of Yisrael Beiteinu, have also commented, with the Likud party reportedly focusing its attacks on the entire "Am Israel" list rather than Haddad's specific statements.