Dozens of Rabbis Urge Ofer Winter to Unite Right-Wing Parties Before Election Deadline

Dozens of prominent rabbis from the Religious Zionist community have penned an urgent letter to former Brigadier General Ofir Winter, urging him to unite his new party, 'Am Yisrael,' with other right-wing factions ahead of upcoming elections. The rabbis, including figures like Eitan Eisenman, David Chaim HaCohen, Elyakim Levanon, and Shavtai Sabato, emphasized the critical juncture, stating, "This week will determine whether the right will go to the upcoming elections with joint forces or, heaven forbid, in division." The appeal comes as Winter's party faces challenges in recent polls, with the deadline for submitting electoral lists looming.

The rabbis' letter directly implores Winter to "take responsibility and act promptly to continue the important work of the Chairman of the Religious Zionism party, Minister Bezalel Smotrich, for unity in the right-wing camp." They stressed the paramount importance of unity, particularly given "great dangers to all of Israel" on the opposing side, concluding with a stark warning: "Ofer, better safe than sorry. One must not take risks when it concerns all of Israel."

This initiative aligns with repeated calls from Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich for a unified right-wing bloc. Smotrich personally appealed to Winter, expressing "great appreciation for the man, for his work, for his great contribution to the State of Israel" and imploring him, "Ofer, do not take risks."

Winter himself recently stated that his party would not join any government that does not include a conscription law to integrate the Haredi public into the IDF. He has also alluded to political pressures, noting, "In recent days, we have seen various elements trying to break us by any means, in any way." The latest polls indicate a complex situation for Winter's party, raising questions about its ability to cross the electoral threshold.