Yosef Haddad Faces Scrutiny Over Shifting Stance on Two-State Solution

As elections approach, political maneuvering intensifies, bringing past statements into focus. Yosef Haddad, the second-ranked candidate for the 'Am Israel' party led by Ofer Winter, is currently at the center of a controversy following the emergence of an old video in which he expressed support for a two-state solution. Haddad has stated that his views have since changed.

However, a new video released by journalist Mohammed Magadli has raised questions about the timing of this alleged shift. The initial video, from an interview in Arabic with Saudi channel Al-Arabiya, showed Haddad discussing the possibility of peace with "our Palestinian brothers" and endorsing the establishment of a Palestinian state alongside Israel. Haddad claimed this was an edited segment from before the "Guardian of the Walls" operation and that the subsequent riots in mixed cities led him to alter his perspective, stating, "I changed my mind and understood that this is not the solution." He emphasized his current opposition to a Palestinian state, aligning with his party's principles.

Magadli's subsequent release features Haddad stating, "I support the two-state solution," which the journalist claims is from two months after the operation. This directly challenges Haddad's timeline and raises questions about when his views truly evolved, given his prior acknowledgment of supporting the policy.

The revelations have drawn political reactions. Finance Minister and Religious Zionism party chairman Bezalel Smotrich alluded to the situation on X, suggesting that seeking "new stars" and "buying a cat in a bag" presents risks beyond the electoral threshold. This comment appears to be a jab amidst internal disputes among right-wing parties regarding Winter's party running independently and the potential for vote splitting.

Additionally, Zehut party chairman Moshe Feiglin recently recalled an interaction with Haddad. According to Feiglin, Haddad sought to join his party before the 2019 elections but the alliance did not materialize after Haddad responded "Israeli" when asked if he was loyal to Israel as a Jewish or Israeli state. Feiglin criticized Winter for including Haddad in his Knesset list.