Political Rivals Clash Over Election Alliances

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich has sharply criticized Ofer Winter, chairman of the 'Am Yisrael' party, following reports that Winter rejected another merger proposal from Smotrich's Religious Zionist Party. Winter, a retired brigadier general, is running independently in the upcoming elections.

Smotrich expressed regret over Winter's decision to run alone, warning it could jeopardize the future of the right-wing bloc and the state of Israel. He suggested that only figures like Gali Baharav-Miara and Yitzhak Amit, whom he characterized as being "on the left," would benefit from Winter's refusal to unite the national camp. The Religious Zionist Party further criticized Winter's "stubborn refusal" of unity offers, stating it was "very disappointing" and cast doubt on his commitment to recommending Benjamin Netanyahu for prime minister and aligning only with the national camp.

Winter responded forcefully to Smotrich, stating, "The people of Israel seek to refresh the ranks. We appreciate your work and will not descend into fear-mongering discourse." His party also criticized Smotrich, asserting that the public desires "new people, those who were not part of the events that led us to October 7th, those who can lead to a decision in Gaza, integrate the Haredim into the IDF, and address the various challenges that were not handled in the previous term." They concluded that "it is time to bring a new spirit to the right-wing camp and the Knesset."