Netanyahu Orders Likud to Attack New Party Leader Ofer Winter

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has decided to direct senior Likud officials to publicly criticize Ofer Winter and his new party, following a period of deliberation. Netanyahu explained his new directive to his associates, expressing doubt that Winter's party would be able to form a government with Likud. This instruction has sparked criticism and concern within parts of the Likud party, with some privately warning that it could negatively impact election results, according to Channel 13 news.

The directive comes shortly after reports of a heated Likud meeting. During this meeting, Yaakov Bardugo, who is ranked 11th on the Likud list, stated that if the party decides to attack Winter, it should do so immediately. Minister Shlomo Karai claimed Winter has become the hope of the "Kaplan Street" protesters, suggesting he is either aligned with the left or is costing them votes. Minister Eli Cohen added that Winter is detrimental to the right-wing bloc.

Against this backdrop, and just before the deadline for party list submissions, Winter claimed in private conversations that Netanyahu had offered him three reserved spots on the Likud list to join forces. According to Winter, Netanyahu said, "The youth are not with you, they are coming to me." Winter reportedly responded, "Don't fight me, I can bring victory to the bloc."

Currently, Winter is refusing to merge his party and is standing firm on his decision to run independently.