Former General Ofer Winter Endorses Netanyahu, Launches New Right-Wing Party

Retired Brigadier General Ofer Winter, chairman of the newly formed "Amcha Israel" party, publicly declared his support for Benjamin Netanyahu as the leader of the right-wing bloc ahead of the upcoming Israeli elections. In a video released on Thursday, Winter emphasized that his allegiance is solely to the people of Israel and that Netanyahu is the only leader his party will recommend. He stated, "We will not dance to anyone's tune. Ultra-Orthodox Jews will be integrated into the IDF, whether with or without their political activists. There will be voluntary migration from Gaza and a dedicated migration authority. There will be decisive action rather than appeasement, and genuine public diplomacy benefiting Israel, not just a propaganda office. What was will not be again."

Winter announced the establishment of his party just days earlier after months of deliberation, calling for a broad right-wing government and new leadership to replace those in power since October 7. The first to join was journalist Netali Shem Tov, a resident of Metula near the northern border, who was evacuated with her family during the outbreak of the war on October 7. Other members include public diplomacy activist Yosef Hadad and Leli Deri, who lost her son Saadia in Gaza. Shem Tov praised Winter as a courageous Israeli leader both on and off the battlefield and expressed commitment to prioritizing the needs of settlers, peripheral residents, and border guards.

Earlier this month, Winter was recorded discussing his political stance and the high likelihood of Netanyahu losing the election. He mentioned the possibility of Gadi Eisenkot becoming prime minister with Mansour Abbas's support, attributing this to a significant drift away from the current right-wing government, partly due to challenges in dealing with the ultra-Orthodox public.

Winter also criticized Defense Minister Israel Katz's dismissal of Central Command Chief Avi Blot, calling it a severe blow to public trust. He defended Blot as a commander who actively worked to implement sovereignty and protect settlements, arguing that such dismissals should not be made publicly or abruptly but through proper channels to maintain public confidence.