Samaria Council Official Denies Leaving Ofer Winter's Party for Likud

Duvdi Ben Zion, Deputy and Acting Head of the Samaria Regional Council and a candidate on the "Am Yisrael" party list, has strongly refuted reports that he considered withdrawing from the Knesset race and was open to offers from the Likud party. Ben Zion clarified that he did not seek a protected spot on the Likud list and remains committed to his party leader, Ofer Winter.

A report by Ynet suggested that Ben Zion had contemplated leaving the Knesset bid in recent days due to pressure and concerns about harming the right-wing bloc. The report further claimed he had conveyed to associates of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that he was receptive to offers, though this move did not materialize.

Ben Zion issued a detailed statement on Tuesday, attacking the allegations. "Since the launch of the Am Yisrael party, I have experienced attacks, spins, and lies from self-interested parties seeking to harm me and Am Yisrael," he wrote. He directly addressed the claim about a protected spot in Likud, stating, "Even this evening, while in reserve duty, I am experiencing a false spin that I requested a protected spot in Likud. It never happened, not at all."

Concluding his remarks, Ben Zion affirmed his continued participation with the Am Yisrael party and expressed his support for Winter. "I am proud to be part of a great team led by Ofer Winter, which aims to change and advance the people of Israel forward. Together we will act, and with God's help, together we will win."