Ofer Winter Launches New Party Challenging Netanyahu and Smotrich in Religious Zionist Camp

Ofer Winter, a former elite IDF commander, has shaken up Israeli politics by launching a new party that directly challenges Religious Zionist leader Bezalel Smotrich and poses a headache for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Winter, who served alongside Naftali Bennett in the IDF's elite Sayeret Matkal unit and commanded the Givati reconnaissance battalion, spent two years preparing for this political move. He capitalized on a growing rift within the Religious Zionist sector, particularly the weakening alliance between national-religious and ultra-Orthodox communities over military conscription issues.

Winter’s party, named "Amcha Yisrael," was launched with a professional campaign featuring the slogan "Winter is coming," a nod to Game of Thrones. The campaign’s purple color references the Givati Brigade beret, symbolizing Winter’s military background. His political base draws from pre-army preparatory programs and Hesder yeshivas, appealing to many in the Religious Zionist community who feel politically homeless and disillusioned with both Netanyahu and Smotrich.

Known for his religious and military leadership, Winter stirred controversy during the 2014 Gaza conflict with a religiously charged letter to his troops, marking a shift in the IDF’s cultural tone. Despite his strong right-wing views, three IDF Chiefs of Staff, including Gadi Eizenkot, refrained from promoting him to general rank, fueling claims that his political stances hindered his military career. After leaving the army in December 2024, Winter declined Netanyahu’s offer to join Likud’s top list, signaling his independence.

Political analysts see Winter’s emergence as emblematic of the internal struggles within the Religious Zionist camp, which is divided among liberals, hardliners, and centrist factions. Netanyahu has publicly urged voters not to support Winter, and his son Yair Netanyahu has also criticized him. Meanwhile, Winter’s alliance with Avigdor Lieberman’s camp and his party’s composition have unsettled Netanyahu’s circle. There is speculation that Winter might eventually merge with Smotrich’s faction, but for now, he maintains his distinct political identity.

Some commentators suggest Winter could be a strategic proxy for Netanyahu, attracting right-wing voters dissatisfied with the prime minister without directly supporting him. Winter himself has stated he would recommend only the candidate he recently said should resign after the October 7 massacre, highlighting his critical stance toward Netanyahu. The coming weeks are expected to see intense pressure on Winter to unify the right-wing religious vote ahead of the elections.