Ofer Winter Blasts Critics, Cites Gaza Balloons as Threat to Right-Wing Bloc

Former Brigadier General Ofer Winter, chairman of the "Am Yisrael" party, has responded forcefully to criticism that his party endangers the right-wing bloc in Israeli politics. Winter dismissed these concerns, arguing in a sharp social media post that the real threats to the right-wing camp and the entire nation are far more significant.

Winter listed several issues he believes pose a genuine danger, including "balloons from Gaza," the daily delivery of "hundreds of aid trucks to the Strip," and the presence of "thousands of Nahba fighters under our noses, in Gaza and Judea and Samaria." He also pointed to domestic challenges, such as allowing draft evasion from the IDF and failing to integrate the Haredi (ultra-Orthodox) community into military service. Furthermore, he criticized the perceived lack of support for those who serve and fight, stating they do not receive what they are due.

Addressing the broader political landscape, Winter urged voters to adopt a new mindset, presenting his party as a clean alternative to existing leadership. He questioned the efficacy of electing the same individuals and expecting different outcomes, advocating for "new people" who were not involved in the failures leading up to the October 7th attacks. Winter emphasized that these new leaders should focus more on leadership and less on politics.

He concluded by unequivocally stating his party's position within the right-wing movement, asserting, "We are part of the right-wing camp, but we do not work for anyone, only for the people of Israel."