New Party Leader Sets Draft Law Condition for Netanyahu Government Entry

Ofer Winter, chairman of the new "Am Israel" party, announced that his party will recommend Benjamin Netanyahu for prime minister but will not join his government unless a conscription law, mandating universal military service, is passed before the government is formed. Winter stated that his party, which he described as a "clean, new, honest, fighting team," aims to offer an alternative to the current political landscape and is not sector-specific.

Winter specifically addressed the integration of the ultra-Orthodox community into the IDF, vowing to achieve this without compromise and stating that the past approach will not continue. He criticized the current government for its failure to integrate the Haredi population into the military over the past three years and for its inability to establish a trusted investigative committee or achieve a clear decision in Gaza.

Responding to criticism about his support for Netanyahu, Winter apologized to those disappointed but clarified that recommending Netanyahu does not equate to unconditional entry into his government. He emphasized that the party serves the people, not individuals, and reiterated the non-negotiable condition of passing the service law before the government's swearing-in. Winter rejected the idea of his party members seeking positions in other political frameworks, stating they are not looking for jobs but to advance their platform.

He also predicted a significant protest vote in the upcoming elections and urged young people who feel unrepresented to consider "Am Israel" as their political home. Winter indicated openness to political alliances only with "new and clean people" who prioritize the nation's welfare and are not tainted by the events of October 7th.

Party candidate Yosef Haddad echoed Winter's stance, stating the party will not compromise its principles for positions and aims to influence a broad right-wing government. Haddad expressed the party's desire for Winter to serve as Defense Minister and to lead a significant information ministry. He also highlighted the party's appeal to Arab Israelis, aiming to win two mandates from this sector by focusing on personal security, welfare, and education, and combating crime and extortion while strengthening Arab-Israeli identity in education.