Netanyahu Explains Criticism of Ofer Winter Despite Past Offer

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed his criticism of Ofer Winter, chairman of the Am Israel party, in a "Shishi 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 members of his party, raises concerns that right-wing votes could be diverted to the left. He warned against a repeat of the "Bennett 2" scenario.

Netanyahu confirmed that he had offered Winter a place in Likud and suggested he join another right-wing party. However, he explained that the issue lies with the current positions espoused by Winter and his party members. Specifically, Netanyahu cited their discussions of a "Palestinian state" and the possibility of a "commission of inquiry headed by Supreme Court Justice Yitzhak Amit," which he interprets as a left-wing direction.

The Prime Minister also pointed to Winter's political ties with Avigdor Lieberman, chairman of Yisrael Beiteinu, noting what he perceived as "worship of Lieberman" and "hatred for Netanyahu and Likud." Netanyahu argued that if Winter had joined Likud, these doubts would have disappeared, but instead, Winter chose his own path, which Netanyahu views as opportunistic and inconsistent.

Netanyahu drew a parallel between Winter's potential post-election alliances and Naftali Bennett's actions after the 2021 elections, recalling Bennett's pre-election pledges not to form a government with the left or the Muslim Brotherhood, which he later broke. The Prime Minister urged right-wing voters to be vigilant and vote Likud to avoid a similar outcome.