Likud Debates Attacking New Party Leader Ofer Winter

The Likud party is reportedly debating its campaign strategy, particularly concerning Ofer Winter, the leader of the "Amcha Yisrael" (Your People Israel) party. Recent polls have shown unfavorable results for the ruling party, prompting internal discussions on how to address Winter's burgeoning political movement.

During a Likud meeting, leaked quotes reveal a divided opinion on whether to attack Winter and attempt to push his party below the electoral threshold. Yaakov Bardugo, a commentator and Likud list candidate, urged immediate action, stating, "If we decide to attack Winter, it must be done now." Minister Shlomo Karai expressed concern that Winter is becoming a "hope for Kaplan" (a reference to a protest movement against the government) and suggested Winter is either aligned with the left or drawing votes away from Likud, advocating for continued opposition to him. Minister Eli Cohen deemed Winter "damage to the right."

Winter, however, has rejected overtures to merge with Likud. He recently claimed that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu offered him three reserved spots on the Likud list, a proposal Winter declined. In private conversations, Netanyahu reportedly told Winter that "the youth are not with you" and that public polls are misleading regarding young voters' support. Winter countered that he could deliver victory for the right-wing bloc.

Winter has publicly stated that "Amcha Yisrael" is open to alliances but only with "new and clean people" who prioritize Israel's welfare and seek to change the divisive discourse that led to the "terrible massacre" of October 7th. He criticized attempts to undermine his movement with "spin and lies" and reiterated his party's right-wing stance, ruling out alliances with figures like Avigdor Lieberman or Naftali Bennett, who previously formed a government with the Muslim Brotherhood. Winter also apologized to those disappointed by his endorsement of Netanyahu, promising continued honesty.

Furthermore, Winter pledged to integrate the Haredi (ultra-Orthodox) public into the IDF, criticizing past failures to do so. He also vowed to establish a public-trustworthy investigative committee and expressed confidence in his ability to achieve victory in Gaza, contrasting his approach with perceived past failures.