Israeli Election Season Heats Up With Palestinian Statehood Debate
Translated & summarized from Makor Rishon by baba
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Israeli election campaigns intensify with debates over Palestinian statehood.
- Yosef Haddad's past support for a two-state solution resurfaces, drawing criticism.
- Gabi Lasky expresses solidarity with women in Gaza and the West Bank.
- Avigdor Lieberman proposes an Israeli-Jordanian confederation instead of a Palestinian state.
- Supreme Court may disqualify Balad chairman Sami Abu Shehadeh from elections.
With 23 days remaining until the elections, the Israeli political arena is intensifying its focus on the Israeli-Palestinian issue, sparking inter-party disputes. Recent controversies involve an old video of Yosef Haddad, a statement by Gabi Lasky, and Avigdor Lieberman's political plan.
Haddad, number two on the "Am Israel" list led by Ofer Vinter, found himself at the center of a political storm when an interview from over five years ago resurfaced. In the clip, broadcast on Saudi channel Al-Arabiya, Haddad stated that the solution is "the State of Israel alongside the State of Palestine." He quickly responded, calling it a "false spin" and a video taken out of context. Haddad asserted that his views have changed and he now opposes the establishment of a Palestinian state, emphasizing that "a Palestinian state will not be established, and we have clarified this in the party's principles."
Gabi Lasky, a candidate for the "Democrats" list, also drew attention for remarks made during a Zoom meeting for International Women's Day. Lasky expressed solidarity with women in Gaza, the West Bank, and Iran, suggesting that a world led by women would experience fewer wars. She noted that women globally face the hardships of war.
Meanwhile, Avigdor Lieberman, chairman of Yisrael Beiteinu, unveiled his political plan for the Palestinian issue. His proposal centers on dismantling the Palestinian Authority and transferring civil responsibility for Areas A and B to Jordan, as part of an Israeli-Jordanian confederation. Under this plan, Israel would retain security responsibility and control over Area C, while Jordan would manage daily life and public order in Areas A and B. Lieberman presented this model as an alternative to the Palestinian Authority, without advocating for a Palestinian state.
Separately, a report indicated a majority among nine Supreme Court judges in an expanded panel may rule to disqualify Balad chairman Sami Abu Shehadeh from running in the Knesset elections, with recommendations for him to withdraw.
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