Yoseph Haddad, a prominent Arab Israeli advocate, is making headlines as he positions himself as a key contender in the upcoming elections. He is currently placed second on the electoral list of Ofer Winter’s political party, a new affiliation headed by the former IDF general. With aspirations to become Israel’s next minister of public diplomacy, Haddad projects his party as a potential game-changer in this electoral cycle.
Propaganda War and Public Diplomacy
In a recent episode of the JPost Sits Down With podcast, Haddad expressed concerns over Israel’s handling of what he termed the “eighth front” in the ongoing propaganda warfare. He criticized the negative narratives surrounding Israel, arguing that these have obstructed military operations that could have prevented loss of life. Should he assume the role of minister, Haddad plans to hold weekly press conferences in Hebrew, Arabic, and English, aiming to counter what he referred to as “every lie” that has been directed at Israel. He also promised to unveil a detailed 100-day action plan aimed at addressing these issues.
A New Definition for Jewish-Arab Relations
Haddad, a member of the Christian community and a former soldier in the Golani Brigade, rejected the term “coexistence” to characterize relations between Jews and Arabs. He believes this term implies mere tolerance rather than genuine partnership. Referring to a recent heroic act by a Muslim bus driver who rescued individuals during a crisis, Haddad emphasizes the need for a collaborative relationship that transcends mere tolerance.
Critique of Arab Parties and Political Landscape
Haddad has taken a firm stance against existing Arab political parties, stating that his mission is to oust them from the Knesset. He labeled leaders of the Joint List as “terror supporters” and criticized Ra’am chairman Mansour Abbas for his perceived duplicity in statements made in different languages. Positioning himself as a unifying figure, Haddad aims to secure a significant portion of the Arab vote, with goals of winning at least two seats in the Knesset.
Addressing Crime in the Arab Community
On the subject of crime within Arab communities, Haddad underscored the shared responsibility among the state, law enforcement, and community leaders. He recounted a troubling incident where a friend was stabbed while attemptng to break up a fight, only for the assailant to receive a mere community service sentence. This highlights a broader concern regarding the social and legal frameworks that govern crime and justice in his community.
Haddad also expressed dissent regarding National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir’s approach to dealing with detained Gaza flotilla activists, labeling the situation as a “disaster.” He demands accountability and change in how such cases are handled, drawing attention to his own experiences of perceived racism when being compared to Abbas just because they share a common identity.
Through these insights and policies, Haddad aims to reshape the narrative surrounding Arab Israeli identity and lay the foundation for a more inclusive political landscape. As the election approaches, he remains a pivotal figure, embodying the aspirations for change within Israel’s political framework.