Arab Party's Coalition Entry Praised by Israeli Politician in 2021
Translated & summarized from Channel 13 by baba
Yosef Haddad, a leader in the 'Am Israel' party, is facing scrutiny for his 2021 remarks welcoming the Arab Ra'am party into the governing coalition. In a recent interview, Haddad defended his past statements, acknowledging differences with Ra'am leader Mansour Abbas but praising his efforts. He criticized attempts to distort his past comments, stating his goal is to represent Arab Israelis who are proud to be both Arab and Israeli, aiming to replace current Arab lawmakers he deems ineffective or supportive of terrorism.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Yosef Haddad, a leader in the 'Am Israel' party, is being criticized for 2021 remarks praising the Arab Ra'am party's coalition entry.
- Haddad acknowledged significant differences with Ra'am leader Mansour Abbas but called his coalition move a positive step.
- He stated that Arabs in Israel must be proud to be both Arab and Israeli to foster national unity.
- Haddad criticized attempts to distort his past statements, calling them 'pathetic attempts' to smear him.
- He aims to replace current Arab Knesset members whom he views as failures or supporters of terrorism.
- Haddad highlighted that Ra'am's coalition entry shifted focus to the needs of Arab society within Israel.
Yosef Haddad, the second-highest-ranking official in the 'Am Israel' party, expressed in a 2021 English-language interview that he welcomed the entry of the Ra'am party into the governing coalition. This stance contrasts with that of his party chairman, Ofer Winter, and even Haddad's current views.
In a recent interview with Channel 13, Haddad was questioned about the health of a narrow government relying on a party stemming from the Muslim Brotherhood. He responded by highlighting that even Christians voted for the Islamic political party because it pledged to work for the Arab society in Israel, calling it a significant development in Israeli politics. He noted that Christians voting for the Islamic movement was unprecedented.
Haddad addressed the resurfaced interview clip on social media platform X, acknowledging significant differences with Abbas but commending his path, albeit calling it only "half a step." He elaborated that Abbas, even in taking that step, was not yet able to fully stand with Israel, condemn Hamas and Hezbollah as terrorist organizations, encourage social integration including national service, or present candidates proud to be both Arab and Israeli.
Haddad criticized what he termed "pathetic attempts" to distort past statements, including his 2021 remarks about an Arab party joining the coalition. He stated he had written about this in his own book and accused his detractors of spinning narratives, having already labeled him an enemy of the people, a traitor, and a collaborator, and now attempting to portray him as Mansour Abbas's best friend. He asserted that the public is discerning and knows he aims to replace Abbas and other perceived "failed" Arab Knesset members, including supporters of terrorism and those viewing Hamas as a charity organization. Haddad stated that 'Am Israel' intends to achieve this with votes from within the Arab community who are proud to be part of Israel.
He further explained that the next step in bridging gaps and becoming a true partner for a united Israel involves Arabs proudly identifying as both Arab and Israeli, without shame. Haddad welcomed the representation of Arab Israelis in the Knesset, emphasizing the shift in focus from Palestinian issues to the needs of the Arab society within Israel.
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