Yisrael Beiteinu Shifts Tactics, Avoids Attacking Ofer Winter

The Yisrael Beiteinu party has decided to refrain from attacking Ofer Winter, chairman of the 'Am Ech Yisrael' party, and will instead focus criticism on the possibility of him joining a right-wing bloc after the elections. This decision stems from Yisrael Beiteinu's openness to Winter as a potential future political partner, according to a report by Walla.

The Likud party quickly seized on the report, reiterating its previous claim that Winter is "closed with Liberman." This assertion of a political connection between Winter and Liberman has surfaced before amid internal struggles within the right-wing bloc.

However, these claims stand in contrast to Winter's own public statements. In late August, Winter clarified that his party aligns with the right-wing camp and that they "will only recommend Netanyahu." He later explicitly ruled out recommending Liberman or Naftali Bennett, even pledging not to serve in a government headed by either. When directly asked if he would serve under Bennett or Liberman, Winter responded negatively, using a biblical verse to emphasize his commitment.

Relations between Winter and Liberman appeared distant, with Winter recently criticizing Liberman for "misleading his voters" and questioning the decision-making ability of anyone partnering with Democratic Party chairman Yair Golan.

Meanwhile, the Likud party has been debating its strategy regarding Winter, who is attempting to attract voters from the right-wing camp. A recent campaign meeting revealed a division between those advocating for attacks to prevent vote leakage and those warning that a direct Likud assault could inadvertently strengthen Winter.