Netanyahu Fears New Right-Wing Party Leader Ofer Winter

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu views former IDF General Ofer Winter and his new political party as a significant unknown and a potential threat, particularly as elections loom. Netanyahu, who dislikes surprises, is reportedly attempting to minimize Winter's influence. This concern was amplified when Winter rejected offers from Netanyahu's Likud party, including a "shield" (a reserved spot on the party list) or an "attractive union" with Bezalel Smotrich's Religious Zionism party, according to Ynet's political correspondent Moran Azulai. Netanyahu has allegedly initiated a targeted campaign against Winter and his commitment to the "right-wing bloc."

Winter faces a difficult political situation. His party's platform emphasizes a fresh start and distance from the decision-makers blamed for the October 7th failures. However, aligning with established political figures who held positions during that time could weaken his party's appeal. Compounding this, Winter has stated his preferred candidate for prime minister is Netanyahu, creating a contradiction with his party's image of offering something entirely new and potentially challenging the current leadership.

Netanyahu's suspicion of Winter stems from his refusal to merge or accept offers from Likud, positioning Winter as a problematic player. Further complicating matters are concerns that Winter might be a "Trojan horse," with alleged closeness to Avigdor Lieberman and fears he might ally with Naftali Bennett. Directed attacks from Likud and Yair Netanyahu against Winter suggest a strategy to prevent his political strength from growing. Whether this strategy is wise or a mistake that could prevent Winter from crossing the electoral threshold, thereby harming the broader right-wing bloc, remains to be seen.