Israeli Politician Rejects Likud Offer, Vows Support for Netanyahu

Ofer Vinter, chairman of the "Am Yisrael" party, met privately with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the Prime Minister's Office, where he was offered a reserved spot on the Likud party's list for the upcoming elections. Vinter declined the offer and instead launched his own independent party.

Sources close to Vinter expressed surprise at his willingness to meet with Netanyahu, given his recent statements that he would not participate in elections alongside incumbent politicians. His immediate refusal of the Likud offer reportedly raised concerns within Netanyahu's circle about Vinter's potential willingness to join an alternative coalition.

Two days after launching his party, Vinter publicly declared that he would recommend only Benjamin Netanyahu to form the next government. He emphasized his party's independence, stating, "We do not work for any person, only for the people of Israel. We will not dance to anyone's tune."

This clarification followed alleged pressure from Netanyahu's camp, including a social media post by the Prime Minister's son, Yair Netanyahu, claiming Vinter would endorse Avigdor Lieberman for prime minister. Despite Vinter's public commitment, some within the ruling party remain wary, citing past experiences with politicians like Naftali Bennett who made similar commitments but later acted differently.