Smotrich Urges Ofer Vinter to Unite Right-Wing Parties, Citing Settlement Danger

Bezalel Smotrich, chairman of the Religious Zionism party and Minister of Finance, has called on Ofer Vinter to join a unified bloc on the right. Smotrich's appeal follows remarks by Yoram Cohen, a senior figure in Gadi Eisenkot's party, which Smotrich claims validate his long-standing warnings about the future of settlements in Judea and Samaria under an Eisenkot-led government. Smotrich stated, "For many months I have been warning that an Eisenkot government will evacuate the settlements and outposts we established. Now Yoram Cohen, a senior figure in Eisenkot's party, is saying this out loud."

Smotrich further linked Cohen's statements to the issue of vote fragmentation on the right. He argued that separate runs by additional parties on the national camp could jeopardize the right's chances of forming a government. In this context, he directly addressed Ofer Vinter, urging him to reconsider an independent candidacy.

"I call on Ofer Vinter to listen carefully to the serious words of Yoram Cohen and understand the gravity of the hour," Smotrich said. "If Vinter runs alone, the settlements we established are in danger. If he takes responsibility and joins the unity that the public desires, with God's help we will win." Smotrich believes that strengthening the right-wing bloc and minimizing lost votes among parties that do not pass the electoral threshold is the way to prevent policy changes affecting settlements.

The appeal to Vinter reflects growing pressure within the national camp ahead of elections and the efforts by right-wing parties to forge unions that ensure maximum representation in the Knesset. Smotrich concluded his remarks with a call for "time for unity and responsibility in the national camp."