Netanyahu Explains Attacks on Ofer Winter Despite Past Offer
Translated & summarized from Now 14 by baba
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu explained his criticism of Ofer Winter in a TV interview, despite having previously offered Winter a role in Likud. Netanyahu expressed concern that Winter's independent run and party stances, including discussing a Palestinian state, could divert right-wing votes to the left. He warned voters against a repeat of the "Bennett 2" scenario, urging them to vote Likud for a right-wing government.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Prime Minister Netanyahu criticized Ofer Winter's party for potentially diverting right-wing votes to the left.
- Netanyahu explained his attacks on Winter despite previously offering him a position in Likud.
- Winter's party's stances on a Palestinian state and a judicial inquiry raise doubts about their right-wing affiliation.
- Netanyahu warned against a repeat of the "Bennett 2" scenario in the upcoming elections.
- He urged right-wing voters to vote Likud to ensure a right-wing government.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed his criticism of Ofer Winter, chairman of the Am Israel Party, in a Friday news interview, explaining his rationale despite having previously offered Winter a position in the Likud party. Netanyahu stated that Winter's decision to run independently, coupled with the stances of some individuals within his party, raises concerns that right-wing votes could shift to the left. He warned against a repeat of the "Bennett 2" scenario.
Netanyahu confirmed he had offered Winter a place in Likud and suggested he join another right-wing party. However, he clarified that the issue is not Winter's independent run but the current positions espoused by Winter and his party members. Specifically, Netanyahu pointed to their discussions of a Palestinian state and a commission of inquiry headed by Supreme Court President Yitzhak Amit as evidence of positions that sow doubt about their right-wing affiliation.
Further fueling his criticism, Netanyahu cited Winter's perceived alignment with Avigdor Lieberman, chairman of Yisrael Beiteinu, and quoted an interviewer who allegedly described Winter's admiration for Lieberman and animosity towards Netanyahu and Likud. Netanyahu argued that if Winter had joined Likud, these doubts would have been resolved, but his independent path, including discussions about a Palestinian state and potential cooperation with figures like Eisenkot, indicates political opportunism rather than genuine conviction.
Concluding his remarks, Netanyahu drew a parallel to Naftali Bennett's post-2021 election coalition-building, warning right-wing voters not to be misled into forming a non-right-wing bloc. He urged voters seeking a right-wing government to vote Likud to avoid a "Bennett 2" situation.
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