Ofer Winter Slams Netanyahu, Smotrich, Ben-Gvir Over Alleged Plot to Block His Party

Ofer Winter, chairman of the "Am Israel" party and a retired brigadier general, has responded to a report by Channel 14 alleging a secret meeting between Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, and National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir. The meeting, held at the Kirya military headquarters, reportedly discussed ways to thwart Winter's new political party.

Winter criticized the leaders, stating, "Instead of dealing with Israel's security, they are once again busy, according to the reports of course, trying to block me and the 'Am Israel' party." He accused them of seeking to prevent a decisive victory in Gaza, block a conscription law that would require everyone to enlist, and obstruct a genuine investigation committee that would examine all parties, both coalition and opposition.

Winter further asserted that the leaders aim to preserve "political cronyism." He concluded with a message to Netanyahu, Smotrich, and Ben-Gvir: "Friends, it's too late. 'Am Israel' is on its way to the Knesset, on its way to the government, and on its way to returning leadership, responsibility, and decisiveness to the country. What was will not be."

The report by Channel 14 detailed the urgent, clandestine discussion at the Kirya, where, alongside political matters, the challenge posed by Winter's entry into politics and the "Am Israel" party was a key topic.