Retired Brigadier General Ofer Winter Defends His Security Views Amid Criticism

Retired Brigadier General Ofer Winter responded strongly on Wednesday to a critical article published against him in the Israeli newspaper Haaretz. The article condemned Winter's invitation to lecture cadets in the IDF officer training course and portrayed his security and religious views negatively. Winter clarified in a video posted on his social media accounts that he has no intention of retreating or silencing his voice.

Winter opened his remarks by noting that for over a decade he has faced attacks and name-calling, but this time the criticism was particularly harsh because he was invited to share his security doctrine with future IDF officers. He emphasized his belief in an offensive military strategy for Israel and warned against attempts to limit the diversity of opinions within the military, cautioning that silencing aggressive voices could lead to future disasters.

He accused Haaretz of having a clear agenda against those who seek decisive victory, stating the newspaper often disparages Israel's heroic soldiers. Winter contrasted himself with left-wing critics who support refusal to serve or diminish the importance of victory, saying he is the one who truly disturbs them. He described himself as a representative of a broad public demanding a profound change in Israel's security approach.

Concluding his video, Winter declared he will continue to act as a soldier of the Israeli people, promote national unity, and speak to the "generation of victory". He dismissed detractors who disapprove of his stance, promising that things will improve under his continued efforts.