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 slate 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, making his meeting with Netanyahu notable. His refusal of the offer has reportedly led Netanyahu to suspect Winter is considering aligning with a different political bloc. Two days after launching his own party, Winter publicly 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 statement, 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 the next day. This potential union, aimed at overcoming the electoral threshold, could increase pressure on Winter from Netanyahu's circle.

In unrelated party news, a recount in the Likud party's internal elections has altered the slate. Minister Haim Katz claimed Eti Atiya surpassed Gila Gamliel for the 25th spot, pushing Gamliel to a non-viable 35th position. Gamliel has filed a petition with the party tribunal, accusing Katz of attempting to steal the election for Atiya, while Katz denied the allegations, citing the party's best interests.