Ex-Minister Warns Reserve General Will Be '61st Finger' for Haredi Government

Matan Kahana, a prominent candidate in the National Unity party alongside former IDF Chief of Staff Gadi Eisenkot, has intensified his sharp criticism of retired Brigadier General Ofir Winter. Kahana described Winter, who served most of his career as an IDF officer, as someone who would be the "61st finger" in a bloc that "will not die and will not enlist," implying a refusal to serve in a future government.

Kahana's latest attack on Winter comes amid ongoing clashes between their respective new political parties. Winter recently announced his new party, "Amcha Israel." Kahana, who is the most active and prominent voice in the National Unity party besides Eisenkot, warned that Winter would be the "61st finger" pushing for another Haredi (ultra-Orthodox) government. "Ofir Winter is the 61st finger of Gafni and Deri. He has declared that he is in the bloc that will not die and will not enlist," Kahana stated forcefully.

This exchange follows previous public disagreements. Days earlier, Eisenkot himself declared that Winter could not serve as defense minister in his government. Winter, in turn, announced he would not recommend Eisenkot, citing deep ideological differences on security and policy matters. Since Winter established his party, both sides have engaged in a series of reciprocal attacks.