Likud Minister Warns New Party Risks Wasting Crucial Votes

Likud Minister Eli Cohen has urged Ofer Winter, leader of the new political party 'Am Israel,' to withdraw from the upcoming elections, warning that the party is likely to fall below the electoral threshold. Speaking on Radio 103fm on Thursday, Cohen stated that candidates in Winter's position historically fail to pass the 3.25% electoral threshold, meaning "he is throwing away 2 to 3 mandates that could be very critical." Cohen suggested that the responsible course of action for Winter would be to withdraw and accept a senior position offered by the Prime Minister. Cohen, a member of the Political-Security Cabinet, also reiterated his stance on Haredi conscription, stating, "The Haredim must get under the stretcher and they must also enlist. All Haredim whose Torah is not their craft do not need to [serve], they must enlist. Period!"

Earlier, Yoaz Hendel declared he would not sit in a government with Winter.