Ofer Vinter Responds to Likud Attacks, Urges Unity

Ofer Vinter's new party, 'Am Israel,' has responded to attacks from the Likud party, which has called for Vinter to withdraw from the upcoming elections. The party claims the pressure stems from Likud's fear of losing votes to Vinter's new movement. 'The fear in Likud of votes transferring to Am Israel is clear,' a statement from Vinter's party read. 'It is not for nothing that Likud chased after reserving spots for Am Israel's senior officials until the last moment and failed.' The party further advised Likud Knesset members to 'internalize that Am Israel is on its way to being the surprise of the elections, Am Israel is here to stay, and we recommend remembering that there is also a day after.'

Earlier, Likud figures, led by Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana, criticized Vinter. Ohana warned in a radio interview that the greatest danger to the right comes from within, citing the 1992 election results where the left formed a government despite the right receiving more votes. He expressed concern that Vinter's party might not pass the electoral threshold, thereby wasting votes. Ohana recalled that Ayelet Shaked and Naftali Bennett's party, which he described as a strong right-wing force, failed to pass the threshold, questioning Vinter's chances. Ohana stated he had previously called for Vinter to unite with Likud, but the deadline had passed. 'He needs to withdraw, he endangers the right-wing bloc. If he wants Netanyahu as prime minister, then he should withdraw,' Ohana urged.