Ofer Winter Proposes Overhaul of Itamar Ben-Gvir's Ministry

A draft platform for the "Am Israel" party, led by former IDF General Ofer Winter, proposes significant changes to the Ministry of National Security, currently headed by Itamar Ben-Gvir. The proposals include expanding the ministry's national mandate, increasing its budget, granting it direct responsibility to the Prime Minister, and renaming it the "Ministry of Personal Security."

Winter's plan aims to transform the ministry into a broad national body with an adjusted budget and direct reporting lines to the Prime Minister. This approach suggests a shift in how organized crime is combatted and citizen security is managed, positioning it as a comprehensive governmental task rather than solely the responsibility of one minister.

The proposals can be interpreted as an implicit critique of Ben-Gvir's ability to fulfill his mandate. Winter suggests an alternative structure where challenges in this domain are not concentrated solely in the hands of the appointed minister. The plan also includes a symbolic name change for the ministry, which Ben-Gvir himself previously altered.

This initiative signals a potential point of friction between Winter and Ben-Gvir even before Winter's potential entry into the Knesset. The proposals directly address areas strongly associated with Ben-Gvir's political identity and government activities.

Responding to the report, Ben-Gvir's office stated, "We are pleased that Winter is adopting principles from Minister Ben-Gvir's actions. However, so far, the only one who has acted is Ben-Gvir. Everyone talks, and Ben-Gvir acts."

Winter recently launched his "Am Israel" party, aligning himself with the right-wing bloc and endorsing Benjamin Netanyahu as prime minister. His entry into politics is notable for potentially creating competition within the right, particularly in areas like personal security and state system reform, which overlap with Ben-Gvir's political platform.