Coalition Chairman Warns New Party Could Harm Right-Wing Bloc

Coalition Chairman Ofir Katz has criticized the new party led by Ofir Winter, asserting it poses a threat to the right-wing bloc in the upcoming elections. In an interview with i24NEWS, Katz outlined two potential negative outcomes for the bloc: either Winter's party will draw right-wing votes without securing enough seats to be relevant, or its members might join the opposing political side after the election, drawing a parallel to a past political maneuver by Naftali Bennett.

Katz expressed his belief that Winter's party will harm the right-wing bloc regardless of its actions. He specifically suggested that Winter and his associates might "do a Bennett" and switch allegiances. Katz based his assessment on the conduct and statements of individuals within Winter's party, predicting they would either "burn right-wing votes" or "go with the other side."

These remarks follow statements by Likud leader Benjamin Netanyahu, who claimed the right-wing bloc currently holds 63 seats even without Winter's participation. Katz, however, dismissed the idea that this makes the fight for every vote insignificant, emphasizing the Likud's need to "maximize" its strength. He noted that with 47 days remaining until the election, there is ample time for shifts, and that the Likud is showing improvement but still needs to mobilize its voters.

Katz also contrasted Winter's party with that of Bezalel Smotrich, whom he described as a reliable "partner" with whom the Likud has a long history and expects to cooperate post-election. He stated that recent polls place Smotrich's party between six and eight seats, while expressing uncertainty about Winter's party's electoral prospects and potential alliances.

Regarding Likud's attempts to recruit members from Winter's party before the candidate lists were finalized, Katz stated that ultimately, the party leader determines the direction and political partners.