Netanyahu's Fierce Attacks on Former General Winter Spark Political Debate

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's intense criticism of retired Brigadier General Ofer Winter and his new party, Am Israel, has drawn widespread attention, with analysts questioning the disproportionate nature of the attacks. Winter, a former commander in the Gaza Division, recently announced his intention to run for the Knesset with a party that supports Netanyahu's leadership. However, Netanyahu has launched a sharp campaign against him, labeling him as "Bennett 2" and suggesting he is a proxy for Avigdor Lieberman, aiming to siphon votes from the right-wing bloc.

Several potential reasons for Netanyahu's aggressive stance have been proposed. One theory suggests Netanyahu fears Winter might align with Lieberman, potentially shifting right-wing votes away from Netanyahu's Likud party and towards centrist factions like Gadi Eisenkot and Yair Lapid. Another perspective is that Netanyahu is using Winter as a diversionary tactic to distract from critical issues such as the failures of October 7th, government corruption, and international isolation. Some speculate the conflict is a staged political maneuver, designed to generate publicity and consolidate support for both Netanyahu and Winter within their respective camps.

A further explanation posits that Netanyahu aims to prevent Winter from crossing the electoral threshold, possibly to facilitate a future coalition with Eisenkot. This theory is echoed by Winter and Itamar Ben-Gvir, who both reportedly view themselves as potential defense ministers, a prospect that allegedly alarms Netanyahu. Additionally, it's suggested that Netanyahu is succumbing to pressure from Bezalel Smotrich and others within the religious Zionist and Haredi parties, who perceive Winter as a threat to their voter base. Smotrich himself has publicly urged against voting for Winter, fearing he will not pass the electoral threshold and will waste crucial right-wing votes.

Winter, meanwhile, appears unfazed by the attacks, reportedly telling Netanyahu to "jump on me." The article notes that Netanyahu has previously yielded to pressure from Smotrich and Ben-Gvir on security matters, suggesting a similar dynamic might be at play now. Recent reports also mention rumors of a secret meeting between Netanyahu and Winter, with proposals exchanged between them. During a recent Likud faction meeting, Netanyahu reportedly instructed party members to ensure Winter, along with Yoaz Hendel and Yaron Zehlikha, remain below the electoral threshold for the Likud to secure victory.