Smotrich Offers Minister Post to Vinter for Election Withdrawal; Vinter Refuses

Minister Bezalel Smotrich approached Ofer Vinter, chairman of the "Am Israel" party, on Wednesday, offering him a ministerial position from the quota that "Religious Zionism" will demand in coalition negotiations, in exchange for Vinter withdrawing from the election race. Vinter's party clarified that no offer would convince him to quit the race.

Yosef Haddad, a candidate on the "Am Israel" list, called the offer "political bribery." Smotrich directly addressed Vinter, stating that most polls show him failing to pass the electoral threshold and that Vinter's voters prioritize the continuation of a right-wing government. Smotrich proposed that Vinter lead and implement the values he champions within the government, with Smotrich's party forgoing its own ministerial seat.

Sources in Vinter's party stated that "Am Israel" is tired of "job politics" and that if they were satisfied with the current right-wing bloc, they would have joined existing parties. They added that those content with the past four years should vote for established parties, while others should support the new party.

Following Smotrich's statement, Prime Minister Netanyahu also urged Vinter to withdraw. The proposed arrangement assumes a minister does not need to be a Knesset member. "Religious Zionism" would claim the ministerial role and its authorities, then propose Vinter's name for the vote during the government's swearing-in, preserving Vinter's independence.

This offer comes after the "Am Israel" party fell below the electoral threshold in a recent poll, receiving only 3.1% of the vote. Last week, Dovide Ben Zion, deputy head of the Samaria Council and a party member, announced his resignation, citing pressure. The article also notes Netanyahu is pressuring small parties to withdraw in exchange for government positions.