Arab-Israeli activist Yoseph Haddad enters politics with new party ahead of elections

Arab-Israeli activist Yoseph Haddad registered a new political party ahead of the upcoming elections, his office confirmed. He has held talks with potential partners, including Brig.-Gen. (res.) Ofer Winter. A February survey suggested a Haddad-led party could win four Knesset seats, crossing the electoral threshold and outperforming some current parties. Haddad, a vocal Israel supporter, aims to translate his social media following into political influence.

Arab-Israeli activist Yoseph Haddad registered a new political party ahead of the upcoming elections, his office confirmed to The Jerusalem Post on Sunday. Haddad, a vocal supporter of Israel, has been holding talks with various figures about joining his slate, including Brig.-Gen. (res.) Ofer Winter, a controversial figure on the Right. His spokesperson said he has been weighing his options and registered the party with partners who believe in his path. Haddad recently returned from an advocacy trip to the US and will soon decide how to best affect positive change for the State of Israel. His online platform grew rapidly after the start of Israel's war, making him a prominent voice on social networks. He was seriously wounded in the Second Lebanon War in 2006 while serving in the IDF. Haddad established the nonprofit Together Vouch for Each Other to connect Arab and Israeli society. A February Midgam Institute survey showed a party led by Haddad could win four Knesset seats, crossing the electoral threshold and outperforming some current parties, including Benny Gantz's Blue and White. The survey also showed support from both Netanyahu's bloc and the opposition, potentially shifting the political dynamic. In May, sources said he considered partnering with former deputy mayor of Jerusalem Fleur Hassan-Nahoum. General elections are set for October 27.