Smotrich Urges Ofer Winter to Meet Immediately for Right-Wing Unity Talks

Five days before candidate lists must be finalized for the upcoming elections, Bezalel Smotrich, chairman of the Religious Zionism party and Finance Minister, called on Ofer Winter, head of the "Am Israel" party, to meet immediately to discuss a potential merger. Smotrich held a special press conference on Thursday where he revealed a Direct Polls survey indicating broad support among right-wing voters for consolidating parties.

According to the poll, which surveyed 1,248 adults, 90% of "Am Israel" voters favor a broad union of right-wing parties. Smotrich presented the data, stating that 95% of Likud voters, 96% of Religious Zionism voters, and 96% of Otzma Yehudit voters also support such a union.

"Ofer, I invite you to a meeting this evening to ensure the victory of the national camp," Smotrich stated, emphasizing the urgency. He argued that the coming days are crucial not just for parties but for the direction of Israel's next government. Smotrich stressed that "an overwhelming majority of right-wing voters want to see us unite," adding that "they understand a thing or two about national responsibility."

Smotrich urged Winter to join the effort, rejecting internal conflicts and boycotts within the right-wing bloc. "This is not a time for talk of boycotts, it is a time for talk of responsibility, unity, and leadership," he said. He also referenced the recently announced merger with Moshe Feiglin of the Zehut party, suggesting public response and poll data demonstrate a desire for right-wing unity.

Smotrich concluded by stating that wasting time and energy on internal disputes in the remaining month and a half before the elections is unacceptable. "We must join hands, tour the country, convince the people, and increase the bloc," he urged, emphasizing that "we must not gamble with Israel's future. We must not throw any vote away."