Ideological Tensions Surface in Ofer Winter's Party Over Palestinian Statehood
An ideological split has emerged in Ofer Winter's 'Amcha Israel' party as candidate Fleur Hassan-Nahoum's past support for Palestinian self-determination surfaces, clashing with Winter's hardline platform.
A sharp ideological discrepancy has emerged within the newly formed 'Amcha Israel' party, led by retired IDF Brigadier General Ofer Winter. While Winter campaigns on a hardline right-wing platform calling for voluntary migration from Gaza and territorial penalties, key figures in his electoral list hold markedly different views on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Divergent Views on Palestinian Statehood
Following revelations that the party's number two candidate, Yosef Haddad, previously expressed support for a Palestinian state, it has now come to light that the fifth candidate on the list, Fleur Hassan-Nahoum, shares similar inclinations. Known as an articulate and prominent advocate for Israel on international stages, Hassan-Nahoum has on multiple occasions voiced support for Palestinian self-determination.
In a debate two years ago against American diplomat Dennis Ross, Hassan-Nahoum explicitly endorsed the concept of Palestinian self-determination. Although she qualifies her stance by noting that a Palestinian state is not currently viable and that autonomy might be a more realistic framework, her positions stand in stark contrast to Winter's vision.
"The ultimate goal of the 'Deal of the Century' is indeed two states," Hassan-Nahoum wrote in 2020 while serving as Deputy Mayor of Jerusalem.
Political Background and Party Response
While Winter advocates for a right-wing government under Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Hassan-Nahoum has previously suggested that Netanyahu should step down. Her political roots trace back to 'Yerushalmim', a centrist-left municipal faction in Jerusalem, leading some Likud activists to label her views as left-leaning when she previously aligned with the ruling party.
In response to the controversy, 'Amcha Israel' issued a formal statement defending its candidates:
"Amcha Israel firmly opposes a Palestinian state. Yosef Haddad and Fleur Hassan-Nahoum are prominent advocates who have fought for years to defend Israel's name globally. Party leader Winter stated today that he is proud of the ability to evolve, noting that anyone who has not changed their views since October 7 fails to understand reality. There will never be a Palestinian state here, and we will ensure decisive victory and voluntary migration."
