Likud Intensifies Campaign Against Ofer Vinter Ahead of Elections

Eleven days before the upcoming elections, the Likud party is reportedly escalating its efforts to undermine former senior officer Ofer Vinter's political campaign. According to i24news, the party aims to push Vinter's nascent party below the electoral threshold in the polls before launching a public call for him to withdraw from the race. Vinter, however, remains steadfast in his decision not to abandon his candidacy, even as he faces attacks from Likud.

In a recent interview with Channel 12, Vinter addressed the Likud campaign against him, calling it a "grave mistake" that harms the right-wing bloc. He revealed that before establishing his own party, he was offered a high placement on the Likud list and even a promise of the Defense Minister position, but he chose to form an independent party, believing "another party must be established on the right."

Vinter also articulated his primary political ambition: to become the Defense Minister. He stated his intention to enter politics to reshape Israel's security doctrine, advocate for decisive action against its enemies, and promote the integration of the Haredi public into the IDF. Despite his sharp criticism of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Vinter did not rule out the possibility of a right-wing government led by Netanyahu, stating, "I need to choose a side, I am on the right, my positions are right-wing."

When asked if Netanyahu could seek public trust again after October 7th, Vinter responded that the public would ultimately decide. The final deadline for signing surplus vote agreements, a last chance for parties to consolidate votes, is approaching, intensifying the political maneuvering.