Ofer Winter Accuses PM's Circle of Sending Private Investigators, Likud Threatens Lawsuit

Ofer Winter, chairman of the Am Israel party, escalated tensions with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during a special conference in Rishon LeZion on Tuesday. Winter alleged that private investigators were sent after him and criticized Netanyahu's advisors for providing him with poor counsel, claiming they are disconnected from the public and misled by biased polls.

Winter asserted that Netanyahu's associates are attempting to undermine his party, sending hateful messages and threats. "They tried to break us, they tried to threaten us, they sent private investigators," Winter stated, emphasizing his party's resilience and integrity. He also criticized Yisrael Beiteinu chairman Avigdor Liberman, accusing him of misleading voters and questioning his ability to achieve decisive outcomes due to potential coalition partners like Yair Golan.

The Likud party vehemently denied Winter's accusations, calling them "an absolute lie" and demanding a retraction. The party threatened a defamation lawsuit if Winter does not withdraw his claims, accusing him of harming the right-wing bloc's electoral prospects instead of focusing on opposing the left.

Am Israel clarified that Winter did not specifically accuse the Likud of sending investigators. Meanwhile, MK Avigdor Liberman commented on the government's responsibility for the October 7th events and criticized Netanyahu's past decisions, including prisoner releases and Qatari cash transfers to Gaza, as well as the current coalition's actions regarding conscription laws.