Likud Figures Criticize Netanyahu's Attacks on Vinter

Senior figures within the Likud party have publicly criticized Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for his attacks on Ofer Vinter and Vinter's party, calling the prime minister's rhetoric a mistake. According to Maariv, these Likud members believe such attacks could harm the entire right-wing bloc ahead of elections. One Likud representative stated that criticism of Vinter might be understandable if his party were at risk of failing to cross the electoral threshold. However, this source argued that many right-wing voters are uncomfortable with the Likud, or with the parties of Bezalel Smotrich or Itamar Ben-Gvir, and might consider "Am Echad" as an alternative. The source warned that attacking Vinter in this context could backfire on the right-wing camp and lead to a significant loss of votes if Vinter's party does not pass the electoral threshold.

Former Likud Member of Knesset and settlement movement activist Yehuda Glick joined the criticism, labeling Netanyahu's attacks on Vinter a serious error. Glick suggested that Vinter could attract voters from both the center and the left of the political spectrum.

"Am Echad" also commented, stating that a substantial segment of Israeli voters is seeking a new political direction. The party emphasized its growing interest and promised a surprise in the upcoming elections. Earlier reports mentioned Netanyahu and Israel being linked to conspiracy theories regarding an attack on a flydubai flight, which emerged on social media shortly after a distress signal.