New Right-Wing Party Pledges Support for Netanyahu, Demands Draft Law Passage

Ofer Winter, chairman of the newly formed right-wing party Am Echad Yisrael, has outlined conditions for joining the next government, including the passage of a conscription law, changes to the government's composition, and a decisive outcome in Gaza. Despite these demands, Winter reiterated his party's sole commitment to recommending Benjamin Netanyahu for prime minister. Winter, a retired Brigadier General and former commander of the Givati Brigade and Division 98, launched his party in August, positioning its members as individuals untainted by the political system's failures leading up to the October 7th attacks. The party's platform emphasizes a revised security concept, the conscription of ultra-Orthodox men, judicial reform, and combating crime. The party's list includes activist Yosef Haddad in the second position, journalist Netaly Shem Tov third, followed by attorney Eran Ben Ari and Feller Hasen Nachum, among others.

Winter's security stance is firm: opposition to a Palestinian state, a demand for military victory in Gaza, and support for the emigration of Gazan residents. He has declared, "There will never be a Palestinian state here," and views emigration as the solution for Gaza. His position on the next government is more complex; while critical of the current government's conduct and war management, he remains steadfast in his support for Netanyahu as the sole candidate for prime minister, stating, "We are in the right-wing camp, the leader of the right-wing camp is Netanyahu and only him will we recommend."

The conscription law has become a central campaign issue for Winter, though his stance has evolved. Initially, he suggested alternative integration methods for the ultra-Orthodox into the IDF without a specific law. However, he later hardened his position, making the passage of a conscription law a prerequisite for entering any government, declaring, "We will not enter a government that does not pass a law before its formation that ends draft evasion. Without this, we will not sit in the government. Period."

Winter also champions bringing new individuals into the political system, those not involved during the failures preceding October 7th. This principle influenced his decision to run independently, rejecting overtures to merge with other right-wing parties like those led by Bezalel Smotrich or Itamar Ben-Gvir, and refusing reserved spots in Likud. Despite pressure, including attempts to recruit Yosef Haddad to Likud, Winter maintained his party's independent path and his commitment to Netanyahu.

On security matters, Winter advocates for a decisive approach over containment, demanding a clearer military resolution in Gaza. His extensive military background is a key campaign asset. He has explicitly ruled out serving under former Prime Ministers Naftali Bennett or Avigdor Lieberman, emphasizing his commitment to his principles.