Activist Yoseph Haddad Defends Human Values Amidst Political Squabbles

Prominent advocacy activist Yoseph Haddad, a candidate for the Knesset with the 'Amcha Yisrael' party, has strongly criticized those who harshly attacked his party leader, Ofer Vinter. The criticism followed an accidental encounter where Vinter embraced former IDF Chief of Staff Gadi Eisenkot, head of the 'Yash!' party, during a live interview on i24NEWS. Haddad, who is second on the 'Amcha Yisrael' list, expressed his dismay on Instagram, defending human decency and mutual respect. He argued that people were confusing political rivals with enemies, stating that Eisenkot, a patriotic Zionist and bereaved father, should not be ostracized. Haddad emphasized that while 'Amcha Yisrael' has significant ideological and political differences with Eisenkot and will not join a coalition with him, they will not demonize him or abandon their human values for political gain. He warned against a return to internal division and incitement, referencing the October 6th events. Haddad also alleged hypocrisy among some coalition members who criticize the embrace while photos exist of coalition Knesset members smiling and interacting with Ahmed Tibi. He vowed to uphold their values in politics, which he described as "rotten." The 'Amcha Yisrael' party is reportedly facing significant pressure from the right-wing bloc, particularly the Likud party, to withdraw from the elections to avoid "wasting votes" and to help preserve the current government. Haddad revealed that Likud had attempted to recruit him until the last moment, offering him a high and prominent position on their list and a promise of a ministerial role in the next government. This revelation has caused political ripples and highlighted growing tensions within the right-wing bloc.