Israeli Party Reverses Stance, Pledges Support for Netanyahu
Translated & summarized from Now 14 by baba
The 'Am Israel' party, led by Ofer Winter, has reaffirmed its commitment to recommending Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for the premiership, following internal debate and external pressure. Candidate Yosef Haddad clarified the party's stance, emphasizing national responsibility over personal interests. The move comes after Winter questioned his initial endorsement, drawing criticism from the Likud party. Meanwhile, Bezalel Smotrich offered Winter a ministerial role in exchange for withdrawing from the race.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Yosef Haddad announced 'Am Israel' will recommend Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
- Party Chairman Ofer Winter had previously questioned his commitment to endorsing Netanyahu.
- The Likud party criticized Winter, accusing him of potentially diverting right-wing votes.
- Bezalel Smotrich offered Winter a ministerial position to withdraw from the election race.
- 'Am Israel' aims to advance right-wing principles within a broad right-wing government.
The 'Am Israel' party has reversed its position on endorsing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, with candidate Yosef Haddad announcing they will indeed recommend him for Prime Minister. This comes after party chairman Ofer Winter suggested he might have been mistaken in his initial commitment to endorse Netanyahu, a statement that drew sharp criticism from the Likud party. Haddad emphasized the party's commitment to the national camp and denied any possibility of switching sides, stating, "We are people of truth. Party Chairman Ofer Winter said from the beginning that we would recommend Netanyahu and so we will do, even when Netanyahu himself and others from the coalition are attacking us, and even after they subject us to a campaign of slander, spins, and character assassination. Why? Because we are not the story, the state is."
Haddad further explained that the party chooses to act out of national responsibility rather than personal interest or revenge, aiming to advance their right-wing principles within a broad right-wing government. He assured the public that 'Am Israel' would not deviate from its promises after the elections.
The clarification followed a tumultuous period for the right-wing bloc. Winter had previously questioned his commitment to Netanyahu, admitting it might not have been the right decision initially. The Likud responded by accusing Winter of potentially diverting right-wing votes to a left-wing government, urging voters to support Likud directly.
Adding to the political drama, Bezalel Smotrich, Chairman of the Religious Zionism party and Minister of Finance, made a significant offer to Winter. Smotrich proposed that Winter forgo his candidacy in exchange for a ministerial position from the Religious Zionism party's quota, along with the establishment of fully empowered administrations for voluntary emigration from Gaza and the integration of Haredim. Smotrich urged Winter not to repeat the "electoral failure of 1992" and to avoid wasting right-wing votes below the electoral threshold. Amidst Smotrich's offer and the Likud's attacks, 'Am Israel' is now attempting to stabilize its position.
