Former General Ofer Winter Plans New Broad Israeli Party After Religious Zionist Primaries

The recent primaries within the Religious Zionist Party have triggered significant political repercussions beyond the party itself, influencing various factions in Israel's right-wing and religious sectors. Retired Brigadier General Ofer Winter has decided not to align with the Religious Zionist Party following the primaries. Instead, Winter aims to establish a new party with a "broad Israeli" character, representing diverse segments of the Israeli population beyond the traditional national-religious community.

Winter is not the only political figure affected by the primaries. Former ambassador Gilad Erdan is also expected to announce the formation of a new party soon. Meanwhile, activists within the national-religious public have approached Knesset member Dan Illouz to consider joining forces with one of three candidates: Gilad Erdan, Yuli Edelstein, or Yoaz Hendel. These individuals represent the reserve soldiers and right-wing activists seeking a right-wing alternative but refusing to support parties that participated in the last coalition, mainly due to their backing of the exemption from military service law.

This political reshuffling reflects broader dissatisfaction within the right-wing and religious communities, particularly regarding coalition decisions and military service exemptions. The developments suggest a potential realignment of right-wing political forces in Israel ahead of upcoming elections.