Haddad Reveals Likud Offered Ministerial Post Before Rejecting It for Amcha Yisrael

Prominent public diplomacy activist Yosef Haddad, running for the Knesset with the Amcha Yisrael Party led by Ofer Winter, revealed that the Likud party attempted to recruit him until the very last moment. Speaking at a Shabbat Tarbut event, Haddad disclosed that he was offered a high-ranking slot on the Likud list, alongside an explicit promise to serve as a minister in the next government. This revelation is sending political shockwaves and highlights growing tension within the right-wing bloc.

Rejection of Likud and Defense of Party Independence

According to Haddad, the upgrade offer from Likud arrived in the final minutes before the candidate lists closed, but he chose to reject it out of loyalty to his path and his new party. Haddad pushed back against coalition attacks on the Amcha Yisrael Party, clarifying that it is a stable right-wing faction that will securely cross the electoral threshold. He criticized attempts to paint his party in non-right-wing colors and dismissed rumors and spins regarding future political mergers.

Coalition Conditions and Criticism of Leadership

While stating that his party would support the formation of a government led by Benjamin Netanyahu, Haddad laid down a clear and rigid condition for coalition entry. Haddad made it clear that Amcha Yisrael will not join any government that fails to legally regulate mandatory enlistment for all and fight for the rights of combat soldiers and reservists. Furthermore, he criticized Netanyahu, Bennett, and Eisenkot, claiming they were all part of the security conception that led to the October 7 events.

"We will not join any government that does not regulate enlistment for all and champion the rights of those who serve on the front lines," Haddad stated.

Diplomatic Vision and Public Diplomacy

In addition to enlistment issues and internal politics, Haddad outlined his diplomatic and public advocacy vision, declaring that his party will promote encouraging voluntary emigration from the Gaza Strip. The national activist also stressed the urgent need to rebuild Israel's international public diplomacy apparatus, which he argued suffered total collapse during the war.