Netanyahu's Offer to Former IDF General Ofer Winter Rejected

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met privately with former IDF Brigadier General Ofer Winter, the chairman of the "Amcha Israel" party, at the Prime Minister's Office. During the meeting, Netanyahu offered Winter a secure spot on the Likud party's list for the upcoming elections, along with other positions within the ruling party. Winter, however, declined the offer.

Winter had previously stated his intention not to run with incumbent politicians. Despite this, he met with Netanyahu. Winter's refusal reportedly raised suspicions for Netanyahu, suggesting Winter might be aligning with a different political faction. Two days after launching his own party, Winter declared that his party would only recommend Prime Minister Netanyahu for the premiership after the elections, stating, "We do not work for any person, only for the people of Israel. We will not dance to anyone's tune." This clarification came amid pressure from Netanyahu's associates and his son, Yair, who had tweeted that Winter would recommend Lieberman for prime minister.

Sources within Likud expressed continued concern despite Winter's announcement, noting that "he left open ends, and Bennett also said similar things at the time." Meanwhile, in the right-wing bloc, Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and Moshe Feiglin, chairman of the Identity party, are reportedly close to announcing a merger, possibly as early as tomorrow. This union aims to ensure they pass the electoral threshold, with Feiglin expected to take the second spot on the list. Such a merger could increase pressure on Winter from Netanyahu's circle.

In other political developments, the Likud party is experiencing internal changes regarding its electoral list. A recount in the Beer Yaakov primary has led to a dispute between Minister Chaim Katz and Minister Gila Gamliel. Katz claims Eti Atia surpassed Gamliel, placing her at the 25th spot on the list, while Gamliel is pushed to a non-viable 35th position. Gamliel has stated she will petition the tribunal, accusing Katz of trying to steal the election for Atia. Katz responded by calling Gamliel's accusations a "series of lies and slander."