Arab Israeli activist Yoseph Haddad joins Winter's Amcha Yisrael, aims to be next hasbara minister

Public diplomacy activist Yoseph Haddad announced on Tuesday his decision to join Ofer Winter's Amcha Yisrael party, taking the number two position. Haddad stated that the party represents a "new slate free of career politicians" comprised of individuals who have contributed to the country from outside the political establishment.

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a new slate free of career politicians, made up of people who have contributed to the country from outside politics and are now seeking to influence it from within the Knesset.

Haddad expressed his belief that the public is weary of "cheap politics" and desires a new right-wing party capable of understanding Middle Eastern dynamics and challenging prevailing security and diplomatic strategies. He articulated his ambition to become Israel's next public diplomacy minister, asserting that public diplomacy is intrinsically linked to national security. Haddad also aims to be the first Arab member of Israel's security cabinet, arguing his perspective as a proud Israeli Arab who understands the "enemy" would be valuable.

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the public had grown tired of "cheap politics" and was now demanding a new right-wing party that understands the Middle Eastern mentality and challenges the security and diplomatic assumptions that, he said, led to the greatest disaster in the country's history.

Referencing the October 7th attacks as the "greatest disaster in the country's history," Haddad stressed the necessity of power and speaking to adversaries in a language they comprehend. He also pointed to the party's composition, including a religious Jewish leader and an Arab deputy, as a model of partnership that he believes revives "the vision of Ze'ev Jabotinsky." Haddad warned against internal divisions, citing historical precedents of Jewish kingdoms collapsing in their "eighth decade" due to disputes, and vowed that his party would unite the country during these challenging times.

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We will bring to the decision-making table the voice of a proud Israeli Arab who understands the enemy, thinks like him, and lives the regional mentality.