Ex-IDF General Ofer Winter Opposed Gaza Ground Operation, Says Politician

Shaul Meridor, a member of the Yishar party led by Gadi Eisenkot, revealed that former IDF Brigadier General Ofer Winter had contacted Israeli cabinet officials after the October 7th Hamas attacks, attempting to dissuade Israel from launching a ground operation in the Gaza Strip. Winter, who was a reserve brigadier general at the war's outset and later formed a right-wing party called 'Am Israel' in August, reportedly argued against the maneuver. Meridor stated, "Ofer Winter opposed the ground maneuver in Gaza and sought to convince politicians in the cabinet not to enter." He added that Winter also tried to persuade Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu against proceeding with the operation.

Meridor contrasted Winter's current public stance with his alleged past actions, noting, "Today he speaks as if he is the most inclined towards an offensive approach." Meridor further claimed that despite Winter's public statements, he currently lacks any significant influence on the formation of the next government, citing Winter's own admissions about his party's lack of parliamentary support. "He himself says that. They do not have 61 [seats], and they are not close to Netanyahu, he is not an influencing factor in anything," Meridor asserted.

Meanwhile, according to Matityahu (Mati) Tuchfeld, chief political commentator for the newspaper Maariv, numerous consultations have taken place at the Likud party headquarters over the past week. These discussions, attended by Prime Minister Netanyahu, have focused on Ofer Winter and the potential inclusion of a new right-wing party, following the closure of the deadline for electoral list registrations.