Another Senior Party Member Supports Palestinian State

Flor Hassan-Nahoum, the fifth-ranked candidate on the Am Israel Party list, has expressed support for the establishment of a Palestinian state and Palestinian self-determination on multiple occasions. While she stipulated that such a state would only be established after stringent conditions are met, she has not opposed the idea of a two-state solution.

The Am Israel Party, led by Ofer Winter, presents a hawkish political platform, advocating for the voluntary emigration of Gazans and territorial gains from adversaries. However, it has been revealed that the views of some senior party members diverge significantly from this stance. Following reports of Yosef Haddad, the second-ranked candidate, supporting a Palestinian state, it has become clear that Hassan-Nahoum also holds this view.

Hassan-Nahoum, known for her public relations skills and representation of Israel internationally, has stated in interviews that she supports a Palestinian state, albeit under very strict conditions. Her past statements, including a debate two years ago with American diplomat Dennis Ross, indicate a consistent ideological position favoring Palestinian self-determination. She has also suggested that Palestinian autonomy might be a more suitable solution than a state.

Her views are considered to be to the left of Winter's, who advocates for voluntary migration. Hassan-Nahoum, conversely, calls for the rehabilitation and establishment of a new government in Gaza with the help of Saudi Arabia and the Emirates. Furthermore, while Winter supports a right-wing government under Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Hassan-Nahoum believes Netanyahu should step down. In 2020, while serving as Deputy Mayor of Jerusalem, she wrote that the "ultimate goal of the 'Deal of the Century' is indeed two states."

The Am Israel Party issued a statement asserting its "unequivocal opposition to a Palestinian state." The party described Haddad and Hassan-Nahoum as "advocacy warriors" who fought for Israel's image when Israeli public relations were lacking, and claimed both oppose a Palestinian state. Party chairman Winter stated he is proud of the ability to change positions for the better, adding that anyone who hasn't changed their views since October 7th is ignorant. He reiterated the party's stance: "There will never be a Palestinian state here, no trucks will enter Gaza, we will ensure there is a decisive victory and voluntary migration."