Smotrich Offers Winter Cabinet Post to Exit Knesset Race

Finance Minister and Religious Zionism party chairman Bezalel Smotrich announced he would hold a special press conference Wednesday evening at 6:00 PM to make a significant political statement. Ahead of the conference, Smotrich reportedly leaked the information to Amit Segal before publishing his statement on social media. The announcement comes amid intensified efforts within the right-wing camp to persuade Ofer Winter, chairman of the 'Am Israel' party, to withdraw from the Knesset race.

Smotrich's offer reportedly includes relinquishing a ministerial position in the Defense Ministry from his party's coalition negotiation quota to Winter, along with full authority to establish a voluntary immigration administration for Gaza and an administration for recruiting and integrating the ultra-Orthodox. This offer is contingent on Winter's withdrawal from the electoral competition.

This development follows recent heavy pressure on Winter to exit the race. Reports indicate that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Smotrich met with Rabbi Eli Sadan, one of Winter's mentors, in an attempt to dissuade him from running independently. Winter, however, has consistently stated his intention to continue his Knesset bid despite the pressure from senior figures in the national camp.

While neither the Religious Zionism party nor Winter's associates have officially denied the report, there is no official confirmation at this stage that Smotrich will formally present this offer at his press conference. The article also notes that Smotrich signed an order to evacuate Khan al-Ahmar 154 days ago, but the site remains standing.