Ofer Vinter Slams Likud's 'Deal-Making and Cronyism'

Ofer Vinter, head of the "Am Israel" party, has launched a scathing attack on the ruling Likud party, accusing it of "deal-making and cronyism" and operating to dismantle his new party. Vinter made these remarks at an activists' event in Rishon Lezion, where he stated that Likud views "Am Israel" as an "unpleasant mirror image" of itself. He asserted that Likud should have been a party for everyone, "Am Israel," but has instead become mired in corrupt practices.

The ongoing political friction between Likud and Vinter's party comes as Likud intensifies its campaign against the new party, portraying it as a potential threat to the right-wing bloc's electoral success. This is despite "Am Israel" declaring its support for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu leading the bloc and the government.

Reports indicate that within Netanyahu's circle, there is consideration of a "ceasefire" with Vinter. This potential move is driven not only by a desire to de-escalate public conflict but also by a strategic aim to facilitate a surplus agreement between Vinter's party and the Otzma Yehudit party, led by Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir. The goal is to prevent votes from being lost below the electoral threshold.

While some of Netanyahu's advisors support this initiative due to concerns about the electoral balance, Netanyahu himself reportedly remains opposed for now. This comes after weeks of sharp exchanges, with Likud figures privately suggesting Vinter might waste votes or even align with left-wing factions post-election. Channel 14 reported that a meeting in the Prime Minister's office concluded Vinter poses a threat to the right-wing bloc, potentially by aligning with figures like Avigdor Lieberman and Naftali Bennett.

Vinter, in turn, criticized Netanyahu's close associates and advisors, calling their advice "terrible" and claiming they are "disconnected from the ground." He accused them of misunderstanding the state of the right-wing camp and relying on "fictitious polls" presented by biased pollsters, which he believes create a false sense of guaranteed victory.