Assiah Hamed
The New Arab / August 17, 2026
Palestinian citizen of Israel Yoseph Haddad has launched a political party after becoming a prominent defender of Israel’s war on Gaza.
I’d keep the critical framing grounded in Haddad’s record, his advocacy for Israel’s genocidal Gaza war and the allegations against figures linked to the new party, rather than adding unsupported characterisation.
Pro-Israel influencer Yoseph Haddad has registered a new political party ahead of Israel’s October elections, marking his formal entry into politics after building a significantly larger public profile as one of the most prominent defenders of Israel’s genocidal war on Gaza.
The former Israeli soldier and hasbara [propaganda] content creator confirmed the establishment of the party, named Brave Israel, after months of speculation over whether he would seek elected office.
His spokesperson told Israeli outlet The Jerusalem Post that Haddad “hasn’t hidden that he’s considering entering politics and has recently been weighing his options”.
Haddad has also been in contact with several political and military figures about his political plans, including former Israeli military commander Ofer Winter.
Winter has been accused by the Hind Rajab Foundation (HRF) of war crimes allegedly committed during Israel’s 2014 assault on Gaza, known as Operation Protective Edge, as well as incitement to genocide over statements made in connection with the current war on the enclave.
“He’s registered a new party with partners who believe in his path,” Haddad’s spokesperson said.
“At the same time, he’s been holding discussions and meetings with various figures to examine his possible next steps,” he added.
Before registering Brave Israel, Israeli media had reported that Haddad was considering joining Likud, the right-wing party led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
His decision to instead establish his own party comes as Israel prepares for a general election scheduled for 27 October.
From hasbara influencer to politician
Haddad’s political move follows years spent cultivating a public profile as an outspoken defender of Israel, particularly since the beginning of the Gaza war.
Since 7 October 2023, he has become a prominent figure in Israel’s international hasbara efforts, using social media appearances, speaking engagements and interviews to defend Israeli military actions in Gaza amid mounting international condemnation over the enormous Palestinian civilian death toll and destruction of the enclave.
His advocacy has also made him a deeply controversial figure among supporters of Palestinian rights.
Most recently, Haddad was involved in a physical confrontation during the recording of a US podcast after congressional candidate Dennis Feitosa confronted him over Israel’s conduct in Gaza.
During a recording of the Digital Social Hour podcast last Monday, Feitosa repeatedly accused Haddad of defending the killing of Palestinian children and urged him to “stop the genocide”.
Feitosa also questioned Haddad about his own military service, asking whether he had ever ordered bombs to be dropped or directed a strike on a school while serving as a commander.
Before becoming a prominent pro-Israel advocate, Haddad volunteered for service in the Israeli military.
A Palestinian citizen of Israel, he joined the Golani Brigade and fought during Israel’s 2006 war on Lebanon, during which he was seriously wounded.
Haddad later became the head of Together – Vouch for Each Other, an organisation that advocates for greater integration of Palestinian citizens of Israel into Israeli society, including through national service.
The organisation has campaigned against the pro-Palestine Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) movement and promoted an Israeli identity among Palestinian citizens of Israel, rather than identification primarily as Palestinian.
Haddad has frequently drawn on his own Palestinian background in his advocacy for Israel, presenting himself internationally as “evidence” that Palestinian citizens enjoy equality within the Israeli state.
Palestinian and international rights organisations, however, have extensively documented structural and legal discrimination faced by Palestinian citizens of Israel.
Assiah Hamed is a news journalist at The New Arab
