Likud Considers Ceasefire with Ofer Vinter Amid Election Strategy Debate

Amidst weeks of sharp criticism, sources close to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu are reportedly considering a de-escalation of rhetoric towards Ofer Vinter, chairman of the "Am Israel" party, and his associates. The move is aimed at securing a surplus agreement with Itamar Ben-Gvir's Otzma Yehudit party to prevent the loss of right-wing votes in the upcoming elections.

While some of Netanyahu's advisors support this initiative, the Prime Minister himself is currently opposed. Previously, Netanyahu had offered Vinter the position of Military Secretary, a role currently held by Maj. Gen. Avi Blott. Netanyahu had also explored ways to prevent Vinter's release from the IDF, even discussing the abolition of the Military Secretary role with former IDF Chief of Staff Gadi Eisenkot.

Recent reports indicate that Netanyahu had instructed Likud officials to attack Vinter and his supporters, a directive that became the party's official line. Netanyahu was quoted in closed conversations as saying, "Vinter and Liberman are colluding and planning to join the left after the elections." Vinter, speaking at an activists' event, claimed he had been threatened and that private investigators had been sent after him. He decried harsh statements made by Likud members against him and his list, which includes reservists and wounded soldiers, attributing the current situation to "irresponsible policy over the years by the military and political echelon."

Vinter criticized Netanyahu's advisors, calling them "disconnected from the ground" and accusing them of relying on "biased pollsters" who present a false picture of right-wing support. He questioned the need for attacks if the Likud already has a comfortable majority, stating, "Attacking 'Am Israel' is a magnificent own goal."

The Likud responded by calling Vinter's claims "an absolute lie" and threatened a defamation lawsuit if he did not retract his statements. They argued that Vinter should focus on attacking the left instead of harming the right's electoral prospects. "Am Israel" clarified that Vinter never claimed the Likud sent private investigators.

Some senior Likud members have privately warned that attacking Vinter is a mistake that could cost them votes. During internal discussions, some advocated for continued opposition to Vinter, while others, like Minister Shlomo Karhi, suggested he was either aligned with the left or detrimental to the right's vote count. Minister Eli Cohen deemed Vinter a "damage to the right."

Prior to the finalization of party lists, Vinter claimed Netanyahu offered him three reserved spots on the Likud list, a claim Netanyahu reportedly countered by stating young voters were not with Vinter. Vinter, however, insisted he could deliver victory for the right-wing bloc. Currently, Vinter refuses to merge with Likud and intends to run independently.