Ofer Winter Issues Ultimatum to Netanyahu on Conscription Law

Ofer Winter, chairman of the new "Am Israel" party, has issued a stark ultimatum to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, stating that his party will not join the next government unless a conscription law ensuring equal burden is passed before the government is sworn in. "We will not enter a government that does not pass a law before its establishment that puts an end to draft dodging and requires everyone to enlist and contribute," Winter declared. He emphasized that this was a non-negotiable prerequisite, not a coalition agreement point, and would not be postponed.

Winter also directly addressed reports of attempts by the Likud party to recruit candidates from his list, specifically mentioning an offer to integrate spokesperson Yosef Haddad. Winter firmly rejected these efforts, stating, "We will not succumb, we will not fall, we will not be broken, and we will not let anyone drive a wedge between us. We are not looking for job arrangements, and you should get used to it, none of the members here are here for a chair." Haddad echoed this sentiment, affirming his loyalty to Winter's party and stating, "We are all one fist. We didn't come for the chair, but for the table."

Winter further criticized unnamed actors attempting to undermine his new political movement through disinformation and divisive tactics. He also apologized to those disappointed by his previous statement about potentially recommending Netanyahu for prime minister, clarifying that his party serves the people, not individuals. He reiterated that while they are part of the right-wing bloc, they would not align with those who formed a government with the Muslim Brotherhood or blurred distinctions between figures like Yosef Haddad and Mansour Abbas.

Regarding potential alliances, Winter stated that "Am Israel" is open to joining forces, but only with "new and clean forces" committed to Israel's welfare, untainted by the events of October 7th, and aiming to change the divisive political discourse.