Israeli Party Leader Claims Right-Wing Rivals Harassed Candidates' Families
Translated & summarized from Israel Hayom by baba
Ofer Winter, chairman of the "Am Israel" party, accused right-wing rivals of waging a personal campaign against his candidates, including harassing their families and children. Dovidi Ben Zion, ranked eighth on the party's list, withdrew due to this pressure, which Winter described as despicable. Winter vowed that "Am Israel" would continue its electoral bid despite these tactics, comparing the situation to battles with casualties but ultimate victory.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Ofer Winter accused right-wing rivals of harassing "Am Israel" party candidates and their families.
- Pressure tactics included placing signs near candidates' homes and children's school bus routes.
- Dovidi Ben Zion, an "Am Israel" candidate, withdrew from the election due to the alleged harassment.
- Winter vowed that the "Am Israel" party would continue its electoral campaign.
- Winter compared the situation to battles with casualties but ultimate victory.
Ofer Winter, chairman of the "Am Israel" party, vehemently denounced what he described as a personal campaign by elements on the right against his party's candidates. Speaking at a voter event in Eilat on Tuesday, Winter alleged that pressure tactics against his party's nominees had extended to their homes and children's environments. He stated that Dovidi Ben Zion, who was ranked eighth on the "Am Israel" list, had requested to withdraw from the race due to this pressure.
Winter characterized the campaign as "unthinkable," "despicable," and "low," claiming it involved placing signs near candidates' homes and children's school bus routes. He specifically mentioned Ben Zion and Lali Deri, a bereaved mother and candidate, as targets. "They put up signs near the children's buses, yesterday near their homes. What did Dovidi do?!" Winter questioned, adding that Ben Zion and Deri were pressured to withdraw from the party, which he described as a new, clean force in Israeli politics.
Winter stated that Ben Zion decided to withdraw because he and his wife could not withstand the pressure, including threats and signs posted near their home. He urged those responsible to be ashamed, asserting that their actions do not represent the right-wing path. Despite the withdrawal, Winter affirmed that "Am Israel" would continue its electoral bid, aiming to lead a new, clean path in Israeli politics and overcome what he called "small, despicable politics."
Concluding his remarks, Winter drew a parallel to his military experience, acknowledging that there are "wounded" in such battles but expressing confidence in victory and in bringing a different message to the Israeli people.
