Netanyahu Warns Retired General Winter's Candidacy Could Aid Lieberman

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has voiced strong opposition to the potential political candidacy of retired Major General Ofer Winter, expressing concern that Winter's participation in elections could siphon votes away from the right-wing bloc and benefit Avigdor Lieberman, the leader of Yisrael Beiteinu. Netanyahu stated in an interview on Channel 14 that Winter has refused to clarify his post-election alliances and maintains a close relationship with Lieberman. The Prime Minister warned that Winter's votes would likely go to Lieberman, not to Netanyahu's own political camp, despite Winter's perceived right-wing alignment. Netanyahu criticized the media's portrayal of Winter, suggesting that interviews have highlighted a particularly close connection between Winter and Lieberman, with some journalists reporting a "worship" of Lieberman by Winter. The Prime Minister also suggested that Winter's ongoing criticism of him makes a political partnership unlikely, predicting, "He will not go with me, he will go with Lieberman." Netanyahu further linked the potential political maneuvering to Lieberman's past statements about potentially forming a coalition with Mansour Abbas, the leader of Ra'am, to oust Netanyahu.