Vinter's Election Headquarters Downplays Polls, Vows Long-Term Commitment
Translated & summarized from Haaretz by baba
Ofer Vinter's "Am Yisrael" party headquarters celebrated despite exit polls indicating they would not pass Israel's electoral threshold. Chairman Vinter vowed to continue their "long-term" mission, blaming a "despicable campaign" for potential failure. Supporters remained optimistic, with some criticizing Prime Minister Netanyahu for weakening the right. The party's challenge is seen as a protest against the political system and high electoral threshold.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Ofer Vinter's "Am Yisrael" party headquarters celebrated despite exit polls showing failure to pass the electoral threshold.
- Chairman Vinter vowed to continue their "long-term" mission, blaming a "despicable campaign" for potential failure.
- Supporters remained optimistic, with some criticizing Prime Minister Netanyahu for weakening the right.
- The party's challenge is seen as a protest against the political system and high electoral threshold.
- Key issues for supporters included the ultra-Orthodox draft and challenging established political parties.
Ofer Vinter's election headquarters for the "Am Yisrael" party, located at Hangar 11 in Tel Aviv Port, maintained an atmosphere of celebration despite early exit poll results suggesting the party would not pass the electoral threshold. The venue, described as resembling a bar mitzvah hall, featured the party's logo on screens, rhythmic music, and a dairy buffet.
Vinter addressed supporters around 11:30 p.m., stating, "We set out to lead a different leadership on the right, a leadership that knows how to take responsibility. Even when it's difficult, we don't blame others. It's not easy for us. We fought against the entire machine, a superpower." He added, "We came for the long haul and this journey has just begun." Vinter attributed the party's potential failure to pass the threshold to a "ugly and despicable campaign without limits," asserting that without it, "there would certainly have been a right-wing government." He called for "joining forces and promoting a broad Zionist government that respects Israel's tradition and does not kick it."
Supporters expressed optimism, with some attributing the party's struggles to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, referred to as "Bibi." Itzik Nakawa, a Tel Aviv resident, stated that Netanyahu made a mistake by undermining Vinter, thereby weakening the right. Another supporter, Yaakov, who was initially drawn by Yosef Haddad, affirmed his belief in the party's values regardless of the outcome. A pre-conscription individual named 'A' highlighted the importance of the ultra-Orthodox draft issue, criticizing draft dodgers and expressing a desire to see polls before voting for Vinter again.
Eliad, from Ramat Gan, emphasized the importance of supporting Vinter's process, comparing it to the Spartans' willingness to fight knowing they might die. He framed the party's participation as a challenge to the existing system, particularly the high electoral threshold that favors established parties. He concluded by asserting that "every citizen is better" than the current system, implying that personal integrity should be the primary qualification for leadership.
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