Ex-IDF General Slams Netanyahu Over Election Strategy

With Israeli legislative elections just two weeks away on October 27, reserve Brigadier General Ofer Winter, who leads the Amkha Israel party, has sharply criticized Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Winter accused Netanyahu of prioritizing electoral calculations over security concerns, stating, "Mr. Prime Minister, I believe you have once again gotten your priorities wrong." Winter's remarks followed reports that Netanyahu had instructed Likud lawmakers to intensify their attacks on his party. "Instead of worrying about Amkha Israel and the electoral threshold, focus on reducing the number of trucks entering Gaza daily, which constitutes tribute paid to Hamas," Winter declared, adding that his party continues to gain support in polls. The former senior officer also denounced the proliferation of illegal weapons within Israel and urged the government to increase the size of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). "Perhaps you should also focus on reducing the number of illegal weapons circulating in the country under your government. And perhaps try to increase the number of people serving in the IDF," he added. According to reports, Netanyahu set two objectives for Likud lawmakers during a Sunday meeting: to further mobilize voters in the party's traditional strongholds and to reclaim approximately three seats that might shift from the right-wing bloc to parties like Amkha Israel and the alliance led by Yoaz Hendel and Yaron Zelekha. The Prime Minister reportedly also encouraged his deputies to continue their criticism of Winter. The Likud reportedly fears that the fragmentation of right-wing votes among smaller parties that may not cross the electoral threshold could jeopardize their bloc's chances of securing a majority in the Knesset.