Ofer Winter Rules Out Alliance with Bezalel Smotrich, Plans Independent Run

Retired Major General Ofer Winter has firmly dismissed reports of a political alliance with Bezalel Smotrich, chairman of the Religious Zionism party, ahead of the upcoming elections. In private discussions over recent days, Winter emphasized his intention to run independently, stating, "I am not sectoral. I have not commanded sectoral soldiers. I will run alone in any case." This statement contradicts repeated media speculation in recent months about potential cooperation or negotiations between Winter and Smotrich, which Winter's camp confirms never occurred.

Winter's team highlights that he does not identify as a candidate representing any particular sector or community. His goal is to lead a broad political framework appealing to the entire Israeli public rather than joining a sectoral party. Accordingly, he plans to continue preparations for an independent electoral bid.

In a related development, National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir was asked in a Walla studio interview if he ruled out a joint run with Winter. Ben-Gvir responded that he does not exclude anyone from his list. Earlier this year, reports surfaced that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu attempted to position Winter as the head of the Religious Zionism party in place of Smotrich, who currently serves as party chairman and finance minister.