Netanyahu Offers Knesset Seats to Prevent Independent Run by Ofer Winter

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is reportedly offering Ofer Winter four reserved spots on Knesset lists in exchange for Winter not running independently, according to i24NEWS. The proposed deal includes two reserved seats on the Religious Zionism list and two on the Likud list.

Netanyahu is holding off on finalizing Likud's candidate list to signal his willingness to pay a price for unity. This plan benefits Netanyahu as Winter would be amenable to reserving spots for his party members, Yosef Haddad and Netali Shem Tov.

Meanwhile, Bezalel Smotrich and Moshe Feiglin announced their parties' unification earlier on Tuesday. Feiglin is slated for the second position on their joint list, with a potential to move if Winter joins. Smotrich intends to retain his two reserved seats, which could displace incumbent Knesset members.

Earlier, a minister cut short a tour in southern Israel due to "significant political developments" and proceeded to the Religious Zionism headquarters. Winter responded to the reserved seat arrangement on the Smotrich-Feiglin list, stating that the public desires change and that his movement, 'Am Israel,' is the sole address for those seeking to integrate Haredim into the IDF and support soldiers. He asserted that they would not serve as a shield for other parties at the expense of soldiers and that a new political entity is necessary.