Orthodox Draft Law Key to Party's Coalition Entry, Leader States

The Amcha Israel party will not join any government that does not commit to passing a law integrating ultra-Orthodox men into the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), party leader Ofer Winter declared on Wednesday, September 2. Winter, a former commander of the IDF's Golani Brigade, stated, "We will not enter a government until a law is brought for discussion that will end draft evasion." He emphasized, "I say clearly and distinctly, there will be no compromises."

Winter's stance directly contrasts with that of MK Yoav Ben-Tzur of the Shas party, who previously warned that his party would not join a government advancing a universal draft law. Winter rejected the idea of merging with other parties, stating, "We will not dissolve our movement and will not distribute our people to different lists, a couple here, a couple there. Our doors are open, but we are ready to unite only with new, untainted people."

Regarding his party's Knesset candidate list, Winter described it as a "team united in its desire to work for the good of the people," composed of individuals from across the country. He asserted they would "uncompromisingly serve those who serve the homeland and their families, and we will not give concessions to those who refuse to take on their share of national responsibility."

Winter stressed the urgent need to integrate the ultra-Orthodox community into the IDF, adding that failure to do so now means future failure. He also linked governmental effectiveness to the draft issue, stating, "He who cannot achieve victory in Gaza today will not bring victory as long as the government composition remains the same. If Amcha Israel has sufficient weight in the government, everything will change."

Second-ranked candidate Yosef Haddad echoed this sentiment, stating the party's candidates entered politics to do what is right and necessary for Israel, not to please others. He affirmed they would defend their principles and not compromise them for appointments or secure positions.

Winter previously stated that Amcha Israel works only for the Israeli people and supports Benjamin Netanyahu as the prime minister. However, he rejected Netanyahu's proposals to merge Amcha Israel with the parties of Bezalel Smotrich or Itamar Ben-Gvir.