Netanyahu Explains Offer to Winter to Join Likud, Cites Policy Concerns

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu explained his criticism of Ofer Winter, chairman of the Am Ech Israel party, stating that he had previously offered Winter a position within the Likud party. Netanyahu voiced concerns in a Channel 14 interview that Winter's independent candidacy, along with the stances of some of his party members, could inadvertently shift right-wing votes to the left bloc.

Netanyahu addressed claims made by Winter and his associates, including Yosef Haddad and Netali Shem Tov, that the Prime Minister had invited them to join Likud, only to criticize them later for forming a separate political entity. "I offered Ofer Winter to be in Likud," Netanyahu confirmed, adding that he also suggested Winter join another right-wing party. The Prime Minister clarified that the issue is not Winter's independent run but rather the current policies advocated by Winter and his party.

Netanyahu highlighted specific policy positions that he believes cast doubt on the party's right-wing alignment. He cited discussions of a Palestinian state and the proposal for an investigative committee headed by Supreme Court Justice Amit as indicative of a left-leaning political stance. He also noted Winter's political ties with Avigdor Lieberman, chairman of Yisrael Beiteinu, quoting an interviewer who described Winter's "worship of Lieberman" and "hatred for Netanyahu and Likud."

"If he had come to us, the doubts would have disappeared, but he didn't come to us. He did exactly what we feared he would do," Netanyahu stated, explaining that Winter's refusal to join Likud or another right-wing party, coupled with his stated positions on a Palestinian state and potentially forming a government with figures like Gadi Eisenkot, demonstrates "opportunism" and a lack of genuine political conviction.

Concluding his remarks, Netanyahu warned right-wing voters against what he termed a "trap," drawing a parallel to Naftali Bennett's post-2021 election coalition formation. He urged voters not to repeat the "Bennett case" and to ensure their votes remain with the right.