Netanyahu Backs Smotrich's Offer to Get Winter Out of Knesset Race

Finance Minister and Religious Zionism party chairman Bezalel Smotrich approached Ofer Winter on Wednesday with an offer for Winter to withdraw from the "Am Israel" party's Knesset candidacy. In exchange, Winter would receive a ministerial position in the Ministry of Defense with broad authority over key areas of Smotrich's party platform. Shortly after, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who had been briefed on the proposal before Smotrich's statement, also urged Winter to leave the race.

The offer stipulated that Winter would be appointed minister in the Ministry of Defense, responsible for two central campaign issues: establishing a directorate for the voluntary emigration of residents from the Gaza Strip, and establishing a directorate for the recruitment and integration of ultra-Orthodox men into Israeli society. Smotrich proposed the emigration directorate be granted full statutory powers, a significant budget, and staffing to coordinate relevant bodies. For ultra-Orthodox recruitment, Winter would receive authority and resources to adapt the military system, establish pre-military frameworks, and build a support and placement mechanism for those seeking integration into Israeli society.

This proposal could be realized even if Winter does not become a Knesset member. It would require the Religious Zionism party to demand the position and its associated authorities during coalition negotiations and later bring Winter's appointment to a vote when the government is sworn in. The plan aims to preserve Winter's political independence, not obligating him to vote with the Religious Zionism party in the government.

Sources within the "Am Israel" party rejected the offer, criticizing the attempt to persuade Winter to withdraw with a job offer. "They probably don't understand we didn't enter for a chair. The people of Israel are fed up with job politics, thinking people can be bought with a position," they stated. They added that past efforts have failed to integrate the ultra-Orthodox, achieve decisive outcomes, or promote emigration, and have instead exacerbated national division. "Whoever is satisfied with what has happened in the last four years should vote for the existing parties. Whoever is not, should vote for the only new party on the right," the sources concluded.