Israeli Party Faces Internal Divisions Over Palestinian Statehood

Ofer Winter's "Am Israel" party is facing internal controversy as a senior candidate, Pler Hassan Nahum, has previously expressed support for a two-state solution, contradicting the party's hardline stance. Hassan Nahum, ranked fifth on Winter's list, has spoken in favor of establishing a Palestinian state and granting Palestinians self-determination on multiple occasions. While she qualified her remarks, stating this is only possible under strict conditions and not in the immediate future, her fundamental positions are to the left of Winter's. For instance, while Winter advocates for the emigration of Gazans, Hassan Nahum has previously called for Gaza's rehabilitation and the establishment of a new government with the help of Saudi Arabia and the UAE. As a diplomat, she stated in a debate with American diplomat Dennis Ross that she supports the Palestinians' right to self-determination and has written that the ultimate goal of the "Deal of the Century" is two states. Hassan Nahum, a former Deputy Mayor of Jerusalem, began her political career in a centrist-left local faction before moving to the Likud party. This revelation follows a previous controversy surrounding Yosef Haddad, the second-ranked candidate, who was criticized for past statements supporting the establishment of a Palestinian state. In response, the "Am Israel" party stated that it "unequivocally opposes a Palestinian state." The party asserted that both Haddad and Hassan Nahum are "advocacy fighters" who oppose a Palestinian state and that their past views are not reflective of the party's current platform. Party chairman Winter commented that he is proud of the ability to change positions for the better, stating that those who haven't changed their views since October 7th are "ignorant and foolish." He reiterated the party's firm opposition to a Palestinian state, stating "there will never be a Palestinian state here, no trucks will enter Gaza, we will ensure there is a decision and voluntary emigration."