Party Chairman Slams Minister Karai Over 'Love of Country' Remarks

Ofer Winter, chairman of the Amcha Israel party, has strongly criticized Minister Shlomo Karai, accusing him of questioning the patriotism of soldiers and bereaved families. Winter stated that Karai referred to him, a commander in the Giv'ati Brigade and an IDF soldier, as "Palestine." Winter challenged Karai's right to judge others' love for the country, citing examples like Yosef Haddad, a Golani fighter injured in battle who advocates for Israel globally, and bereaved families such as Lili Deri and Sigal Krounik. Winter asserted that the right-wing movement is not the property of any individual but a path defined by love of country, security, responsibility, Judaism, unity, and tradition.

Winter criticized the current coalition, which he termed the "TikTok coalition," for allegedly being out of touch with reality, contrasting their social media pronouncements of victory and safety with the actual experiences of young Israelis. He highlighted the disconnect between the coalition's online presence and the daily struggles faced by citizens, including military service, safety concerns, and the cost of living. Winter questioned the coalition's silence when extremists refer to Israeli soldiers as "the enemy's army," despite asking these soldiers to risk their lives.

Addressing parents, Winter asked if they could endure another four years without decisive action, a resolution to conscription, and with high living costs and internal strife. He emphasized that citizens' loyalty on election day is to their children, not politicians. Winter presented Amcha Israel as the solution, not the problem, stating that a strong Israeli populace is the only way to prevent a government involving figures like Abbas and Golan. He urged supporters and undecided voters, who may fear the electoral threshold, to join Amcha Israel, portraying the party as courageous and committed to running the course.