Ofer Winter Rejects Union with Smotrich, Citing Need for New Movement

Ofer Winter, chairman of the "Am Yisrael" movement, has ruled out the possibility of uniting with Bezalel Smotrich, stating that the Israeli people are seeking something new and not more of the same. Winter made these remarks in a video released shortly after Smotrich's union with Moshe Feiglin.

Winter emphasized that his movement, "Am Yisrael," is the sole address for those genuinely seeking to integrate Haredim into the IDF and provide proper support for soldiers and their families. He also stressed the importance of achieving decisive victory in Gaza and other fronts.

He further clarified that "Am Yisrael" will not serve as a shield for parties like United Torah Judaism's Moshe Gafni and Yaakov Goldknopf at the expense of soldiers. Winter reiterated his commitment to bringing a new message to the Israeli people, asserting that a new entity is necessary and that "Am Yisrael" represents the will of the people for change.