A well-known Arab Israeli activist is taking steps toward launching a political party for Israel’s next national elections, according to reports from The Jerusalem Post. Yoseph Haddad is reportedly discussing a potential collaboration with Fleur Hassan-Nahoum, who previously served as Jerusalem’s deputy mayor.
This development represents a potential transition from advocacy work to electoral politics for Haddad as Israel gears up for elections that must occur by October at the latest. Sources familiar with Haddad’s plans provided details to Israeli media outlets about the emerging political venture.
Haddad has become one of Israel’s most recognizable Arab voices in public diplomacy efforts. The Christian Arab hails from Nazareth and served with the Israel Defense Forces’ Golani Brigade, where he sustained severe injuries during the 2006 Second Lebanon War. Following his military service, he established Together Vouch for Each Other, a group dedicated to advancing Arab participation in Israeli society.
Recent months have brought growing speculation about whether Haddad might leverage his public recognition and substantial social media presence to secure parliamentary representation. Israel Hayom reported that Haddad has begun concrete preparations for political entry, including consultations with an attorney who specializes in establishing political parties. Associates of Haddad informed the publication that “Big things are coming.”
Polling data from the Midgam Institute, commissioned by Haddad supporters and published by Israel Hayom in February, suggested a Haddad-led party might secure four parliamentary seats – sufficient to meet Israel’s minimum threshold for representation. The survey indicated such a party could attract supporters from Likud, Otzma Yehudit, and former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett’s Bennett 2026 party, which is running alongside Yair Lapid’s Yesh Atid on the Together list. Haddad’s entrance into the political arena could potentially shift the dynamics between Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s coalition and opposition forces.
When the February polling results emerged, Haddad stated, “All options are on the table.”
Hassan-Nahoum, a British-born politician, held the position of Jerusalem deputy mayor from 2018 through 2023 and previously served on the Jerusalem City Council. She currently works as a special envoy for trade innovation within the Foreign Affairs Ministry and holds the role of secretary-general for Kol Israel, a World Zionist Congress faction.
A political alliance between Haddad and Hassan-Nahoum would presumably target voters interested in a Zionist, civic-minded agenda emphasizing Arab involvement in Israeli public service, national duty, and fostering a more encompassing Israeli national identity. The success of such a parliamentary campaign will ultimately hinge on organizational capacity, financial resources, strategic partnerships, and navigating Israel’s challenging electoral requirements.
