Ofer Winter Denies Rift with Eisenkot, Criticizes Netanyahu
Translated & summarized from Maariv by baba
Political candidate Ofer Winter clarified his relationship with Gadi Eisenkot, calling them "brothers" but stating he would not serve under him. Winter accused Prime Minister Netanyahu of pressuring him to withdraw from the election race and criticized the political discourse. He also outlined his security vision for Israel, advocating for decisiveness and initiative, and warned that Netanyahu needs his party for a strong right-wing government.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Ofer Winter stated he and Gadi Eisenkot are "brothers" but would not serve in a government led by him.
- Winter accused Prime Minister Netanyahu of pressuring him and his party to withdraw from the election.
- Winter advocated for a security doctrine of "decisiveness and initiative" in Gaza and Judea and Samaria.
- Winter warned that Netanyahu needs his party to form a strong right-wing government.
- Winter criticized the political discourse and attempts to intimidate voters.
- Winter expressed hope that reports of a dispute over attacking Iran before elections are untrue.
Ofer Winter, a political candidate, has addressed speculation surrounding his relationship with former IDF Chief of Staff Gadi Eisenkot, stating, "We are brothers." Despite personal respect for Eisenkot, Winter clarified that he would not serve in a government led by him, citing ideological and conceptual differences. Winter also criticized perceived attempts to pressure him and his party, "Am Echad Yisrael," to withdraw from the electoral race, accusing the Prime Minister of "getting confused" and engaging in tactics such as pressuring his mother and intimidating his rabbis.
Winter likened the treatment his party receives from political rivals to veteran soldiers mistreating younger ones, describing it as "unbelievably low-level." He asserted that his party's goal is to reform the political discourse, particularly in the wake of the October 7th attacks. Addressing election polls, Winter expressed confidence in significant public support, urging voters to turn out to secure a fifth mandate for his party, despite claims that the campaign aims to frighten the public.
Regarding security, Winter advocated for a doctrine of "decisiveness and initiative" in Gaza and Judea and Samaria, arguing against rebuilding Gaza and stating that current attacks are symptoms of a larger, unresolved problem. He also commented on reports of a dispute between Prime Minister Netanyahu and IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir over a potential strike in Iran before the elections, expressing hope that the reports are untrue and that he trusts the military leadership.
Winter reiterated his commitment to the right-wing bloc, stating he would not join a government with Mansour Abbas or Yair Golan, even if attacked by Netanyahu. He emphasized his right-wing identity, rooted in his religious beliefs and a security approach prioritizing Israeli soldiers over enemy civilians, and his opposition to the Oslo Accords and the establishment of a Palestinian state.
Winter concluded by warning that Netanyahu and Likud are mistaken if they believe they can form a government without "Am Echad Yisrael," asserting that his party is essential for a strong right-wing government and that its absence could lead to a government including Abbas and Golan.
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