Pro-Israel advocate Yoseph Haddad was detained by police after allegedly firing a bullet during a roadside argument in Jaffa, Walla reported on Wednesday.
According to Israel Police, “A report was received about a brawl between drivers on a road in Jaffa, during which sounds of gunfire were heard; no injuries were reported.”
The authorities added that two people were detained, and one was carrying a licensed handgun.
However, Haddad’s lawyers said that he drew and fired his gun, not because of road rage, but due to a “violent attack, motivated by racism and hatred,” by an Arab who recognized him, cursed him, threatened his life, and physically attacked him.
Haddad was later released to house arrest for a period of at least five days following police interrogations. His personal handgun was also confiscated, according to Army Radio.
After these events, during which Haddad allegedly felt endangered, he drew his personal handgun, and a bullet was fired, hitting a nearby wall, the lawyers’ statement added.
Who is Yospeh Haddad?
Haddad is a Christian Arab from Haifa who volunteered for combat service in the IDF. He served as a commander and was seriously wounded during the Second Lebanon War (2006).
After recovering, he chose to dedicate his life to Israeli public diplomacy, focusing on highlighting the partnership between Jews and Arabs.
In 2018, he founded the nonprofit organization “Together – Vouch for Each Other,” which promotes the integration of Arab citizens in Israel by working to close social gaps and encouraging enlistment in the IDF and Sherut Leumi (National Service).
Since the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas War on October 7, 2023, Haddad has led a wide-reaching social media campaign in support of Israel, exposing the crimes committed by Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad.