Ofer Winter Launches 'Am Israel' Party, Blending Security and Broader Israeli Society

Ofer Winter has officially entered the election race with the launch of his "Am Israel" (All of Israel) party. Unlike a traditional right-wing party, Winter aims to assemble a diverse slate that unites security concerns, reservists, public diplomacy, the legal system, and broader Israeli society. The party's list includes media personality and strategist Moran Samueloff, Joseph Haddad, Netali Shem Tov, Lali Darai, Fler Hassan-Nahoum, and attorney Eran Ben Ari.

Hassan-Nahoum brings public experience with a focus on international affairs and Israeli public diplomacy. Ben Ari, known for his involvement in the judicial reform debate and currently serving as the opposition leader in the Bar Association, signals a clear agenda regarding the legal system. Winter has stated his goal is to establish a broad right-wing government and has also called for an investigation into the events of October 7th.

The primary challenge for Winter lies in uniting individuals from varied backgrounds under one banner without alienating the right-wing base he seeks to attract. The key question is how these disparate elements will coalesce. Winter himself represents an interesting political quandary: if his party surpasses the electoral threshold, the question may shift from who joins him to whom he will join, and who might need him to form the next government.

Currently, Winter expresses his aspiration to align with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, aiming to be influential enough to sway the balance of power in his favor.