Yosef Haddad Political Party: Brave Israel Formation

Yosef Haddad, an Arab-Israeli activist known for his international advocacy work on behalf of Israel, is behind the registration of a new political party called "Brave Israel," according to a report published Sunday by Ynet. While Haddad's name does not appear on the incorporation documents, sources involved in the process say the party is being established under his direction.

The move comes as Israel prepares for elections scheduled for October, with just three weeks remaining until the deadline for submitting party lists for the 26th Knesset. In recent months, Haddad has explored several possible routes into politics, including the possibility of securing a reserved spot on the Likud party list.

According to sources, Haddad is simultaneously conducting discussions about a potential political partnership with retired Brigadier General Ofer Winter. Winter is also considering establishing a political framework but has not yet announced his plans for the upcoming elections. His decision is expected to be made public by the end of August.

The connection to Haddad is evident in the stated objectives submitted as part of the "Brave Israel" registration. The documents repeatedly reference the need to understand Middle Eastern mentality and position international advocacy as a central component of security policy.

The party seeks to establish "a permanent, proactive, offensive and unapologetic national advocacy system" that would lead the battle for global public opinion, present Israel's position, and counter claims spread by its enemies. These are messages that Haddad frequently promotes through his public activities.

A brief response from Winter's representatives stated simply: "Patience." Haddad's team said he has not hidden the fact that he is considering entering politics, and that he has recently been holding conversations and meetings with various figures while weighing his options. They added that he recently returned from an advocacy tour in the United States and will continue working on behalf of Israel in every possible way.

Haddad, 41, was born to an Arab Christian family in Nazareth. He enlisted in the Israel Defense Forces and served in the Golani Brigade. During the Second Lebanon War in 2006, he was severely injured in a battle in Bint J'bil when a Kornet missile shot by Hezbollah severed his leg. However, his leg was successfully reattached after a long rehabilitation process.

Winter, 55, previously served as commander of the Givati Brigade and as military secretary to the defense minister. Ahead of the elections, he is considered one of the names that right-wing parties are seeking to recruit. The possibility of a partnership between him and Haddad now joins the political maneuvers being explored before the deadline for finalizing party lists.