Israel's Finance Minister Offers Gaza Expulsion Role to Rival to Secure Right-Wing Votes

Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich has offered Ofer Winter, head of the "Amcha Israel" party, a ministerial position within the Ministry of Defense to oversee the expulsion of Palestinians from Gaza and the recruitment of Haredim (ultra-Orthodox Jews). The offer, made on Wednesday, is contingent on Winter withdrawing from the Knesset elections to prevent vote dilution within the current coalition bloc. Smotrich announced his willingness to cede a ministerial portfolio from his party's quota to Winter, advocating for his appointment in future coalition negotiations. The proposed role would grant Winter authority over two specialized administrations: one for the "voluntary emigration" of Gazans and another for Haredi recruitment and integration into society and the workforce.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also publicly urged Winter to withdraw from the elections, stating on the "X" platform that Winter's continued candidacy threatened the right-wing's chances of forming the next government. Smotrich directly addressed Winter, emphasizing that the offer included full authority for these projects and that the Gaza expulsion administration would coordinate with multiple Israeli security and governmental bodies. He described the expulsion of Palestinians from Gaza as "the central and most important task to decide the battle and complete the victory."

Smotrich invoked the 1992 elections, where he claimed the division of right-wing parties led to the left-wing's ascent and the Oslo Accords, warning against a repeat of what he called a "national disaster." He also revealed that he had previously offered Winter a senior position on his party's list before the electoral slates were finalized, arguing that "Amcha Israel's" continued participation would waste tens of thousands of votes.

Officials from "Amcha Israel" rejected Smotrich's offer, stating they entered politics not for positions but because the public is tired of "job distribution politics." They criticized the current coalition's performance, citing failures in Haredi integration, achieving military decisiveness, deepening societal divisions, and implementing the Gaza expulsion plan. They urged voters dissatisfied with the past four years to support their party as the only new right-wing option.

Internal Likud activist communications, published by "Walla," revealed criticism of the campaign against Winter, with some activists urging Netanyahu to intervene and change strategy. They argued that Winter is crucial for preventing the formation of a Benny Gantz-led government and that attacks on him have failed. The pressure extends to other small right-wing and religious lists, including those led by Moti Lifner, Rabbi Pergal, and Avi Maoz.

Winter, however, informed his party's candidates on Wednesday morning that he is proceeding with the elections, calling the pressure a "harsh intimidation campaign" and vowing to be a "big surprise."