Ofer Winter Expresses Doubt Over Netanyahu Endorsement Amid Election Pressure

Ofer Winter, chairman of the Am Ech Israel party, has expressed uncertainty about his earlier declaration to exclusively recommend Benjamin Netanyahu for prime minister, though he has not officially changed his stance. The Likud party responded sharply, labeling his remarks as "fake right-wing." Concurrently, significant pressure is being exerted on Winter to withdraw from the Knesset race.

Winter, who identifies with the national camp, stated in a recent interview that he has no intention of switching to the opposing political side despite facing attacks. However, Likud interpreted his comments as a potential sign that he might divert right-wing votes to rivals of Netanyahu. These criticisms come amid intensified efforts by Prime Minister Netanyahu and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich to persuade Winter to exit the elections.

During the interview, Winter admitted, "Perhaps it was a mistake to declare from the start that we would recommend Netanyahu." He also reflected on his earlier statement, saying, "Sometimes I consider if it is right or not right, but it is not relevant." The Likud party reacted swiftly, asserting that Winter's admission confirms his potential to shift right-wing votes to a "left-wing government" led by figures like Aisankot, Yair Golan, Lieberman, and Bennett, along with Arab parties. The party urged voters to support Likud, stating, "We do not fall for fake right-wing, we vote Mahl (Likud)."

Earlier in the election campaign, Winter had announced his party's intention to recommend Netanyahu. He stated then, "We are in the right-wing camp and the leader of the right-wing camp is Netanyahu. We will only recommend him, but we will not dance to anyone's tune." While he now expresses doubt about the timing of that declaration, he has not altered his position or pledged support for another candidate.

Netanyahu and Smotrich reportedly met with Winter's rabbi, seeking to convince Winter to withdraw. During the meeting, they presented internal polls suggesting Am Ech Israel would not pass the electoral threshold. Sources close to Smotrich claimed the rabbi was convinced by the data but doubted his ability to influence Winter. The rabbi has not publicly called for Winter's withdrawal.

Winter previously responded to these pressures in a video, accusing Netanyahu and Smotrich of unfair tactics and an "ugly and unethical campaign." He affirmed that his party would continue to compete in the elections. Smotrich, in a video response, accused Winter of boycotting him and warned that Winter's independent candidacy could cost the right-wing bloc votes. He urged Winter to reconsider his path.

The pressure on Winter stems from concerns within Likud and the Religious Zionism party that Am Ech Israel might fail to cross the electoral threshold, thereby jeopardizing the right-wing bloc's chances of securing a Knesset majority. The Prime Minister's office released a statement reminding Winter of his past promise to withdraw if his candidacy endangered the right-wing, urging him to do so now to prevent a "dangerous left-wing government."