Netanyahu Dismisses Challenger Winter as 'Bibi 2'
Translated & summarized from Maariv by baba
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu criticized Ofer Winter, chairman of the "Amcha Israel" party, calling him "Bibi 2" and warning he could shift right-wing votes leftward. Winter, running for the Knesset, vowed to stay in the race regardless of poll results, even if below the electoral threshold. His party has criticized the government's policies on security and Haredi conscription. The Likud is concerned Winter's candidacy will siphon votes from the right, potentially weakening the bloc, as polls show his party near the threshold.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Prime Minister Netanyahu labeled challenger Ofer Winter "Bibi 2" and warned of vote diversion to the left.
- Ofer Winter vowed to continue his Knesset race regardless of poll results, even if below the threshold.
- Winter's "Amcha Israel" party has criticized the government's security and Haredi conscription policies.
- The Likud fears Winter's candidacy will weaken the right-wing bloc by drawing votes from coalition supporters.
- Polls indicate "Amcha Israel" is currently near the electoral threshold, with about four seats.
- Winter seeks to become Defense Minister to advance his security and conscription agenda.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu responded to a recent interview by Ofer Winter, chairman of the "Amcha Israel" party, by labeling him "Bibi 2" and warning that Winter could siphon votes from the right to the left. Winter, a retired brigadier general, had stated in an interview on "Meet the Press" that he would not withdraw from the Knesset race, even if his party falls below the electoral threshold. He also criticized Netanyahu, saying, "Let Bibi jump for me." Winter's party has been critical of the current government's policies on military decisiveness, the Gaza Strip, the conscription of Haredim, and public security.
Winter clarified that his party would not participate in another election and that they entered politics to enact change. He rejected the idea of a narrow government with Gadi Eisenkot, stating it would be "narrow for Israel." Winter also expressed his ambition to serve as Defense Minister, believing it would allow him to advance his security vision and views on Haredi conscription. He reiterated his commitment to the race, even if polls show his party below the qualifying threshold, having previously vowed to continue "until victory."
Netanyahu's office released a video portraying Winter as a potential spoiler, suggesting he might draw votes from right-wing supporters and inadvertently aid in forming a government with political opponents. The Likud party has been running a campaign against "Amcha Israel," distributing videos on social media aimed at right-wing voters. Despite Winter's past statements that he would recommend Netanyahu for prime minister, he has refused to commit to joining any government Netanyahu might form, demanding policy changes.
Polls show "Amcha Israel" hovering around the electoral threshold, with recent surveys placing it at four seats. The Likud fears that Winter's party could draw votes from existing coalition parties, particularly the Likud itself, potentially impacting the right-wing bloc's strength. In August, Netanyahu had urged smaller right-wing parties to unite or withdraw to prevent vote wastage below the threshold. A significant portion of Winter's supporters, around 60%, reportedly come from current coalition parties.
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