Ofer Winter Rules Out Serving Under Bennett, Lieberman, Backs Netanyahu

Former IDF general Ofer Winter, who recently launched his "Am Israel" party, stated in his first interview since the party's inception that he would not serve in a government led by Naftali Bennett or Avigdor Lieberman. Winter explained his rationale, citing his opposition to the political maneuvering that led to Bennett's premiership, which he viewed as undermining voter choice. Despite believing that politicians responsible for the October 7th failures should be held accountable, Winter affirmed his support for Benjamin Netanyahu as Prime Minister, positioning himself within the right-wing bloc.

Winter also addressed criticism from sources close to the Prime Minister, interpreting the attacks as a sign that his party is making an impact. He pledged to re-evaluate his political path if his party consistently underperforms in polls, particularly concerning the electoral threshold. The upcoming deadline for party list submissions presents a crucial test, with pressure from the right-wing camp urging him to unite with Bezalel Smotrich to prevent vote wastage.

Regarding the integration of the ultra-Orthodox community into the IDF, Winter proposed a legislative approach that would grant benefits to those who serve and withhold them from those who do not, rather than mandating conscription. He detailed a plan to establish dedicated units for the ultra-Orthodox within the army, building on his previous experience creating such units. Winter also expressed a desire for a broad unity government under Netanyahu, including all parties identifying as right-wing, potentially reducing reliance on ultra-Orthodox parties.

On the issue of the war in Gaza, Winter suggested a shift from a reconstruction model to an emigration model for Gazan civilians. He criticized the current fighting strategy, arguing that Hamas planned for urban warfare and humanitarian crises to garner international support. Winter advocated for a different approach, involving the displacement of the southern population to isolate Hamas and impose a blockade, which he believed would leverage the IDF's full strength and lead to surrender.