Smotrich Poll Shows Broad Support for Right-Wing Unity, Invites Ofer Winter to Meet

Finance Minister and Religious Zionism party leader Bezalel Smotrich revealed the results of a wide-ranging poll on Thursday, indicating strong support among right-wing voters for consolidating parties ahead of the upcoming elections. The survey, conducted by Direct Polls among 1,248 adults, found that 90% of potential voters for Ofer Winter's "Am Israel" party favor such a union. Similar high levels of support were recorded among voters for the Likud (95%), Religious Zionism (96%), and Otzma Yehudit (96%) parties.

Smotrich framed the upcoming period as critical for Israel's future, warning against a scenario where opposition figures like Gantz, Ya'alon, and Abbas would lead national security. He asserted that such a government would withdraw troops from Lebanon and Gaza, release Hamas and Hezbollah terrorists, dismantle settlements in Judea and Samaria, and establish a terror state. He also predicted they would undermine Israel's Jewish identity, close the 'Heroes' preparatory academy in Eli, shut down Channel 14, and appoint radical leftists to the Supreme Court and key legal positions, thereby cementing a "judicial dictatorship."

Emphasizing the poll's findings, Smotrich stated that the "overwhelming majority" of right-wing voters desire unity. He directly addressed Ofer Winter, calling him a "man of great merit" with a significant place in the national camp. "This is not a time for boycotts! This is a time for responsibility, unity, and leadership," Smotrich declared, urging Winter to join forces.

Smotrich stressed the importance of not wasting votes or energy on internal disputes, advocating for collaboration to expand the right-wing bloc. He cited the recent merger with Moshe Feiglin's Zehut party as evidence that the national camp desires unity, stating, "The public has spoken. Now the responsibility is ours."

Concluding his remarks, Smotrich extended a direct invitation to Ofer Winter for a meeting that evening to ensure the victory of the national camp.