Ofer Winter Officially Endorses Netanyahu for Prime Minister Amid Right-Wing Tensions

Ofer Winter, retired Brigadier General and leader of the newly formed Amcha Yisrael party, has officially declared his support for Benjamin Netanyahu as Prime Minister following the upcoming elections. This announcement, made on Thursday evening, comes two days after his party's launch and addresses growing suspicions within Netanyahu's camp about Winter's post-election intentions. Winter emphasized that while his party belongs to the right-wing bloc led by Netanyahu, it remains politically independent and will not be subordinate to any individual or party.

Winter outlined key policy commitments including integrating ultra-Orthodox Jews into the Israel Defense Forces, promoting voluntary migration from Gaza, and shifting from a policy of containment to one of decisive action. Despite his endorsement of Netanyahu, Winter rejected calls from Netanyahu and others to merge Amcha Yisrael with existing right-wing parties, asserting confidence in attracting right-wing voters dissatisfied with current coalition options.

The declaration follows heightened tensions between Netanyahu's circle and Winter's party, with Netanyahu warning that small right-wing factions risk splitting the vote and weakening the bloc. Polls after Amcha Yisrael's launch gave it six Knesset seats, while the Religious Zionism party led by Bezalel Smotrich hovered below the electoral threshold. Netanyahu has urged Winter, Moshe Feiglin, and Avi Maoz to either unite with established parties or withdraw to avoid vote fragmentation.

Winter's statement aims to quell doubts about his political alignment, stating, "We are in the right-wing camp, the leader of the right-wing camp is Netanyahu, and only him will we recommend." However, the underlying dispute over the impact of Winter's independent run on the right-wing vote remains unresolved. Netanyahu's son Yair publicly expressed skepticism, suggesting Winter might support Avigdor Lieberman instead, and warned Winter's associates about the risks of running independently.

Winter's party includes figures such as Yosef Hadad, Netali Shem Tov, and Leli Deri, and he insists on maintaining Amcha Yisrael's distinct platform while supporting Netanyahu's leadership. The political dynamics within the right-wing bloc continue to evolve as the election approaches, with Winter positioning himself as a new right-wing force committed to both Netanyahu and specific policy changes.