Ofer Winter Declines Smotrich-Feiglin Alliance, Cites Need for New Approach

Ofer Winter, chairman of the 'Am Israel' party, has responded to the technical alliance formed between Bezalel Smotrich's Religious Zionism party and Moshe Feiglin's Zehut party, stating he will not be joining the union at this time. Winter believes his party represents the sole option for voters seeking a fresh political direction, a genuine military decision-making approach, and better support for service members.

Winter characterized the Smotrich-Feiglin union as "more of the same," emphasizing that the Israeli public desires something new. He asserted that "Am Israel" is the only address for those who genuinely wish to integrate the ultra-Orthodox into the IDF, provide service members and their families with their due, and achieve decisive military outcomes in Gaza and other fronts. He also stated his party would not serve as a shield for other parties at the expense of service members.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has been actively pushing for broader unity among right-wing parties to prevent votes from falling below the electoral threshold. The recent alliance between Religious Zionism and Zehut, which places Feiglin in key positions on the list, was formed amidst these calls for consolidation. The political landscape on the right has seen tension, including National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir's rejection of a merger with Smotrich, which he described as a staged attempt to pressure Feiglin.

With the deadline for party list submissions approaching, the focus remains on whether Winter will maintain his independent run or eventually join a larger bloc. His party, "Am Israel," plans to present candidates who were not involved in the failures leading up to the October 7th events, positioning themselves as a distinct alternative.