Ofer Winter Affirms Right-Wing Stance, Endorses Netanyahu Ahead of Elections

Ofer Winter, retired Brigadier General and chairman of the Amcha Israel party, issued a clear political message on Thursday ahead of the upcoming elections, affirming that his party is aligned with the right-wing camp and will recommend Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Winter expressed gratitude for the significant support his party has recently received, stating, "We are receiving tremendous support and appreciation - thank you Amcha Israel. And we have only just begun."

Addressing questions about his political relationship with Netanyahu, Winter emphasized independence, saying, "We do not work for anyone, only for the people of Israel." Nonetheless, he firmly placed his party within the right-wing bloc, declaring, "We are in the right-wing camp, the leader of the right-wing camp is Netanyahu, and we will recommend only him." He also stressed that his party will not automatically align with other political actors, stating, "We will not dance to anyone's tune."

Winter took a strong stance on key issues such as ultra-Orthodox enlistment, asserting that Haredim will be integrated into the Israel Defense Forces "with or without the Haredi political activists." Regarding Gaza, he called for a policy shift, advocating for "voluntary migration from Gaza, not just managing migration," and promised "a decisive approach, not containment."

He also criticized Israel's public diplomacy efforts, pledging "real advocacy for the State of Israel, not just a propaganda office." Winter concluded with a call for change, saying, "What was, will not be."

Summary: Ofer Winter, leader of Amcha Israel, confirmed his party's right-wing alignment and endorsement of Netanyahu, while advocating firm policies on Haredi enlistment and Gaza ahead of Israel's elections.