Ex-IDF General Winter Sets Conditions for Netanyahu Support

Former IDF Brigadier General Ofer Winter, chairman of the 'Am Yisrael' party, stated in an interview that his party intends to contest elections regardless of poll numbers, comparing it to a soldier not abandoning a battle. Winter reiterated his intention to recommend Benjamin Netanyahu for Prime Minister, but conditioned his support on Netanyahu meeting demands concerning security, emigration from Gaza, and equal conscription. Winter emphasized that his backing is not unconditional and he expects the Prime Minister to fulfill the demands of the right-wing base he represents. "I told you again: we came to demand. We came to decide... If not, I tell you Bibi will jump on me. I say this seriously. I do not work for anyone," he stated.

Winter's specific demands include achieving a military victory in Gaza, encouraging emigration from the Strip, and advancing a "Servicemembers Law" for equal conscription. He expressed disappointment with Netanyahu, whom he believed would form a broad right-wing government, but feels current actions aim only to preserve the status quo. "We are not an open check," Winter declared.

Politically, Winter firmly rejects any alliance with Yair Golan, whom he accuses of slandering Israel internationally, and considers a government led by Gadi Eisenkot a "danger to the State of Israel." While not entirely ruling out cooperation with ultra-Orthodox parties, he insists on forming a broad Zionist and right-wing government not dependent on them or the "61st finger of Goldknopf."

Winter also voiced frustration over attacks from within the right-wing camp against members of his party, including Sigal Kraunik, Lali Deri, and Yosef Haddad. He questioned why Likud and Netanyahu would fight new forces on the right instead of integrating them. Regarding the October 7th events, Winter denied claims he discouraged field commanders from ground maneuvers, asserting he encouraged them and simultaneously urged senior leadership to adopt a strategy of displacing the population from Gaza to achieve a military decision and avoid international pressure.