Israeli Party Faces Ideological Rift Over Palestinian Statehood

The right-wing Israeli party "Am Israel" (My Israel), led by Ofer Vinter, which advocates for the voluntary emigration of Gazans, is facing internal ideological divisions. Following revelations about its second-ranked candidate, Yosef Haddad, having previously supported a political framework for Palestinians, it has emerged that the fifth-ranked candidate, Flor Hassan-Nahoum, also held similar views in the past. Hassan-Nahoum, a prominent Israeli spokesperson, had previously spoken in favor of Palestinian self-determination and even mentioned the two-state solution, notably in a debate with Dennis Ross and in a 2020 article about the "Deal of the Century." However, she emphasized that a Palestinian state is not currently realistic, proposing alternatives such as autonomy and the reconstruction of Gaza with Gulf state assistance, which contrasts with Vinter's hardline stance.

Hassan-Nahoum's political past includes starting her career with the "Yerushalmim" faction, associated with the center-left, a fact that previously drew criticism from right-wing activists. In response to the controversy, the "Am Israel" party stated that it "unequivocally opposes a Palestinian state." The party defended Haddad and Hassan-Nahoum as "information warriors" who fought for Israel's reputation when Israeli advocacy was lacking, and asserted that both oppose a Palestinian state.

Party leader Vinter commented that he is proud of the ability to change positions in the right direction, stating that those who haven't changed their views since October 7th are "ignorant and foolish." He added, "Some look at the past, we learn from the past to fix the future. There will never be a Palestinian state here, no trucks will enter Gaza, we will ensure there is a decision and voluntary emigration."