Rabbi Backs Winter's Party After Netanyahu's Failed Bid to Sway Him

Rabbi Eli Sadan, rector of the Eli Pre-Military Academy, has broken his silence to endorse Ofer Winter's party, pushing back against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Minister Bezalel Smotrich's attempts to pressure Winter into withdrawing his candidacy. Sadan stated in a recorded message released Sunday that he believes Netanyahu can only form a "full right-wing government" if Winter's party successfully passes the electoral threshold. He clarified that he had not told people not to vote for Winter, as had been falsely reported, but rather wished him success, which he believes is crucial for a right-wing government.

Last week, Prime Minister Netanyahu visited the "Bnei David" pre-military academy in Eli, meeting with Rabbi Sadan at his home. The meeting, also attended by Smotrich, aimed to persuade Winter to withdraw his candidacy just a week before the elections. However, these efforts have now officially failed, with Sadan publicly supporting Winter's continued participation.

Winter, who is known to be close to Rabbi Sadan, has stated in recent interviews that while he consults with rabbis, their advice does not dictate his decisions. Sources at the academy indicated that the meeting between Netanyahu and Sadan took place at Sadan's home and was also attended by Rabbi Yigal Levinstein, Rabbi Yehuda Sadan (son of the academy's founder), Netanyahu's Chief of Staff Ido Norden, and Smotrich's campaign manager Omer Rahamim, all alumni of the Eli institutions.

Earlier this month, Winter stated in an interview that if his party fails to pass the electoral threshold, he would blame Netanyahu, accusing him of undermining right-wing parties. Recent polls indicate that Winter's "Am Israel" party is close to, but has not yet passed, the electoral threshold.