Arab Israeli Politician Defends Past Support for Palestinian State
Translated & summarized from Ynet by baba
Arab Israeli politician Yosef Haddad defended his past support for a two-state solution, arguing it mirrors Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's views. Haddad, running with the "Am Israel" party, faces criticism from across the political spectrum. He also discussed his private efforts to facilitate the emigration of Gazans. Despite facing threats, Haddad expressed confidence in his party's electoral success and the integration of Arab Israelis into national service.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Yosef Haddad defended his past support for a Palestinian state, questioning the double standard compared to Prime Minister Netanyahu.
- Haddad's "Am Israel" party faces criticism from both the left and right ahead of the upcoming elections.
- Haddad is actively engaged in private diplomatic efforts to facilitate the emigration of Palestinians from Gaza.
- Haddad revealed he received a concrete offer from the Likud party for a top Knesset seat and a ministerial role.
- Despite threats from extremists, Haddad expressed optimism about his party's electoral prospects.
- Haddad highlighted the increasing participation of Arab Israelis in national service programs.
Yosef Haddad, a prominent Arab Israeli spokesperson and candidate for the "Am Israel" party, has defended past statements supporting a two-state solution, drawing a parallel to similar remarks made by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Haddad, who is running with former IDF general Ofer Winter, stated in an interview that if Netanyahu's past support for a Palestinian state is acceptable, then his own should be as well, questioning the double standard. He explained that his comments were made during the Trump administration's "Deal of the Century" initiative and were intended to represent the Israeli government's general stance at the time, emphasizing that he does not live in an apartheid state and that Hamas is a terrorist organization.
Haddad is facing criticism from both sides of the political spectrum. The "change bloc" accuses his party of being a proxy for Netanyahu, while the Likud and Religious Zionism parties are campaigning against Winter, arguing that votes for their party will fall below the electoral threshold or inadvertently help Gadi Eisenkot form a coalition. Haddad himself has been attacked from the right for his past support for a Palestinian state, with some re-circulating old statements he made. He attributes any electoral damage to infighting within the right-wing camp.
Furthermore, Haddad discussed his controversial advocacy for the emigration of Gazans, asserting it remains a realistic scenario and that he has been privately engaging with diplomats from third countries to facilitate this. He believes hundreds of thousands of Palestinians wish to leave Gaza and that Egypt could be pressured to allow their passage. Haddad also revealed that he has received concrete offers from the Likud, including a top-ten spot on their list and a ministerial position, but has remained committed to Winter.
Despite facing threats and hostility from extremists within both the Arab and Israeli communities, Haddad remains optimistic about his party's electoral prospects. He believes "Am Israel" will exceed expectations, potentially winning 5-4 Knesset seats and attracting additional support from Arab Israelis who are disillusioned with current leadership. He also highlighted the growing participation of Arab Israelis in national service as a positive sign of integration and contribution to the state.
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