Pollster Warns Ofer Winter's Party May Fail to Cross Election Threshold

Political analyst and pollster Shlomo Filber has expressed concern over the electoral prospects of former IDF Brigadier General (res.) Ofer Winter and his new party, "Am Israel". Appearing on Channel 14's "Israel HaBoker" program, Filber stated that Winter's party is currently polling below the electoral threshold required to enter the Knesset.

Filber attributed this to Winter's refusal to form technical alliances with other right-wing parties. He suggested that Winter's decision to run independently, without compromise, could lead to his political career ending before it truly begins. Filber noted that while Winter was a popular figure among right-wing voters, his current stance clashes with the public's desire for unity within the bloc, especially after the events of October 7th.

Filber also commented on Winter's decision to place Yosef Haddad second on his party's list, suggesting it was an attempt to attract voters that Haddad might appeal to, but that Winter himself could not. However, Filber observed that "a person alone does not drag a party or people where he wants to take them," indicating that Haddad's inclusion has not translated into broader support.

Comparing Winter's situation to past politicians like Yuli Edelstein and Gilad Erdan, who also sought new audiences but failed to bring their existing base with them, Filber warned that Winter's insistence on personal principles over political expediency could result in him being a "passing episode" in Israeli politics if he fails to cross the electoral threshold.