Likud Leaders Debate Strategy Against Ex-General Ofer Winter's Political Run

Senior Likud officials and advisors engaged in a heated internal debate regarding how to counter the independent political campaign of former Brigadier General Ofer Winter, who is running for the "Am Yisrael" party. A report from Channel 14 revealed details of a campaign meeting where the potential threat posed by Winter was discussed.

Ministers expressed significant concern over Winter's candidacy. Minister Shlomo Karai warned that Winter could be a "real danger to the bloc," suggesting he might align with the left if successful or "burn votes" if he fails. Minister Ze'ev Elkin voiced fears of Winter connecting with opposition figures, noting that if a known advisor is with Winter's campaign, it indicates a strong alignment with Avigdor Lieberman. Minister Eli Cohen advocated for directly opposing Winter, stating he is "damage to the right."

Commentator Yaakov Bardugo urged the party to make a swift decision, drawing parallels to past political maneuvers. "Make a decision. But if you decide to take him down, do it now, don't wait until the last moment like with Bennett when he gained momentum. You need to start now," Bardugo advised, emphasizing the need for immediate action.

However, strategist Erez Tadmor presented a more cautious approach, suggesting Winter might actually benefit the bloc by attracting voters who wouldn't otherwise support Likud. Tadmor differentiated Winter from Bennett, calling Bennett a "scum" but describing Winter as potentially "delusional and stubborn" but not malicious, and questioning if attacking him would be a strategic error.

Elkin countered Tadmor's assessment, arguing that Winter's statements, such as recommending Netanyahu for president, alienate potential centrist and left-leaning voters. Tadmor suggested Winter's statements were made under pressure, but Elkin insisted they were carefully crafted and did not definitively rule out Winter joining a non-Netanyahu government. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu concluded the discussion by deferring a decision, stating he would "look into it and give you a quick answer later."