Retired General Ofer Winter Accuses Likud of Smear Campaign; Party Threatens Defamation Lawsuit

Retired Brigadier General Ofer Winter, chairman of the "Am Israel" party, launched a sharp attack against the Likud party during a campaign event in Rishon Lezion, accusing them of attempting to dismantle his party and intimidate its members. Winter claimed that Likud figures, including ministers and Knesset members, have made statements aiming to 'eliminate' him and his party, despite previously seeking to include him on their electoral list. He also criticized the government's policies, attributing the October 7th massacre to "irresponsible policy over the years by the military and political echelon, not fate."

Winter further directed criticism at Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's inner circle, calling his advisors "disconnected from the ground" and accusing them of relying on "fictitious polls" from biased pollsters that create a false sense of security for the right-wing bloc. He questioned Likud's attacks on his party if, according to their own polls, they can secure a majority without him.

Winter alleged that attempts were made to undermine his party, including sending private investigators and hateful messages to him and his colleagues. He asserted that his supporters are not for sale and will not be intimidated. "Attacking Am Israel is a spectacular own goal," Winter stated, urging his supporters to vote for his party.

The Likud party vehemently denied Winter's accusations, labeling them a "complete lie" and demanding he retract his statements. The party threatened to file a defamation lawsuit if he refused. Likud expressed regret that Winter chose to attack a fellow right-wing party instead of focusing on opposing the left and preventing a government led by figures like Benny Gantz, Yair Golan, and Avigdor Lieberman, alongside Arab parties.

In response to Likud's reaction, a representative for Winter clarified that he never stated the Likud party itself sent private investigators to his home during his speech.