Yosef Haddad Registers Party in His Name, Holds Talks with Ofer Winter

Hasbara activist Yosef Haddad has registered a party named "Israel Amitza" and is holding talks about a merger with Brig. Gen. (res.) Ofer Winter, who is also considering establishing a political platform. Haddad's name has been mentioned as a candidate for a reserved slot in Likud. Lists for the 26th Knesset will close in three weeks, and Winter is expected to announce by the end of August. The party's goals include an international strategic hasbara front.

ynet has learned that behind the request to establish a party named "Israel Amitza" is hasbara activist Yosef Haddad, although his name does not appear in the party's documents. According to sources, it is a list on his behalf. Haddad is exploring options to enter politics ahead of the October elections, and his name has been mentioned as a candidate for a reserved slot in Likud. He is holding talks about a merger with Brig. Gen. (res.) Ofer Winter, who is trying to maintain ambiguity and is expected to announce by the end of August. The party's goals emphasize the need to "understand the Middle Eastern mentality" and promote a strategic hasbara front. Haddad, 41, is a member of an Arab-Christian family from Nazareth, served in Golani, and lost his leg in the Second Lebanon War. Winter, 55, a former commander of the Givati Brigade and secretary of the Defense Minister, is considered a sought-after figure on the right. Haddad's camp said he did not hide that he is considering entering politics, and Winter replied: "Patience."