Vinter Rejects Smotrich's Offers, Citing 'Not Here for a Job'
Translated & summarized from Behadrei Haredim by baba
Ofer Vinter, chairman of the Am Israel party, rejected offers from Bezalel Smotrich for a government position, vowing not to provide automatic support to Benjamin Netanyahu. Vinter outlined conditions for his party's support, including the "Servicemember Status Law" and policies for Gaza. He also alleged facing harsh opposition from within his own political camp and ruled out joining a government with Yair Golan.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Ofer Vinter rejected offers for a government job, stating his party seeks change, not positions.
- Vinter conditioned his party's right-wing support on advancing the "Servicemember Status Law" and Gaza policies.
- Vinter accused opponents, mainly from his own camp, of harassment and pressure campaigns.
- Vinter ruled out forming a government with Yair Golan, emphasizing his party's distinct path.
- Vinter urged voters to support his party to gain significant power for enacting change.
Ofer Vinter, chairman of the Am Israel party, rejected offers to withdraw from the political race in exchange for a government position, stating his party will not automatically support Benjamin Netanyahu. In a statement, Vinter criticized Religious Zionism party chairman Bezalel Smotrich and addressed perceived pressures on his party's candidates, vowing not to yield.
Vinter directly addressed Smotrich's past claims of offering him a top spot in his party and a current offer of a government role in a yet-to-be-formed government. "Friends, you are confused. We did not come here for a job, as you are accustomed. We came to change. We came to lead a way," Vinter declared.
He affirmed his party's right-wing alignment but set clear conditions for supporting the next government. "From day one, I said we are in the right-wing camp. I have not changed my positions in my 34 years of service in the IDF and have no intention of changing them today," he stated. However, he cautioned, "There will be no blank check here. I said yes and I said but. If they give, they will receive; if they don't give, they won't receive."
Vinter stipulated that his party's support is contingent on advancing the "Servicemember Status Law," aimed at prioritizing fighters, and on a policy of decisive action and voluntary emigration from Gaza. He also ruled out joining a government led by Yair Golan, stating, "We will not take our votes and form a government with Yair Golan, that will never happen."
He further claimed that his party has faced intense and unprecedented opposition, primarily from within the right-wing camp, since entering the race. Vinter alleged that candidates and their children have been harassed, private investigators hired, rabbis pressured, and even a 'Pulsa Denura' ritual performed against a bereaved mother. "This is the politics of yesterday. We will not surrender to it," he vowed.
Vinter appealed to undecided voters, suggesting hundreds of thousands are considering supporting his party but are hesitant due to the campaigns against it. He urged them to disregard fear-mongering, fake news, and lies, asserting that their belief in his party would grant them significant power to enact meaningful change. He concluded by addressing soldiers and reservists who support his party, promising to uphold their trust and stating that they entered politics for them.
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