Reserve Brigadier General Ofer Winter, once considered one of the IDF’s most prominent commanders, is preparing a dramatic entry into politics and is openly attacking senior figures from both the current and former leadership. In exclusive audio published by i24NEWS from a closed conversation with activists, Winter blames political infighting for the October 7 disaster and says he is dissatisfied with the existing political field.
His harshest criticism was aimed at National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir. Winter, who lives in the Galilee, said there is no governance or street security and described the Negev and the north as being in “complete abandonment.” He argued that Ben Gvir should act instead of speaking, saying, “Do not do marches for governance, not everything needs to be shouted. Do it, shut up. But if afterward he makes a TikTok video, then it does not work.”
Winter also addressed accusations that he was politically aligned with former prime minister Naftali Bennett because of past ties. He rejected that idea, saying, “I’m sorry to disappoint you, I am not his friend.” Winter added, “He came, rode on me, only caused me harm in life,” and said Bennett’s decision to form a government backed by Arab parties is something he completely cannot accept, calling the two “oil and water.”
He also took aim at former IDF chief of staff Gadi Eisenkot and former defense minister Avigdor Lieberman. Winter said Eisenkot tried everything he could to have him removed from the army, but failed, while Lieberman blocked it at the time. Winter concluded by calling for a generational change in politics, saying the same players have dominated for 30 years and that the rivalry between the opposition and coalition led to October 7 and nearly a civil war. He said he is now working to gather supporters, but it remains unclear whether he will join an existing party, such as Bezalel Smotrich’s, or run with a new list.
