Ofer Winter Plans New Nationwide Party as Gilad Erdan Threatens Libel Suit Against Broadcaster

The recent primaries in the Religious Zionist Party are triggering significant political shifts within Israel's right-wing camp. Retired Brigadier General Ofer Winter reportedly does not intend to join the Religious Zionist Party but aims to establish a new "all-Israeli" party representing a broad and diverse population segment. Concurrently, political circles anticipate an announcement from Gilad Erdan about launching his own new party.

Amid these developments, several activists from the national-religious public have approached Knesset member Dan Illouz to explore potential alliances with prominent right-wing figures such as Gilad Erdan, Yuli Edelstein, or Yoaz Hendel. These representatives of the reservists bloc and moderate right seek a right-wing alternative and oppose voting for the current coalition parties, mainly due to their support for the controversial conscription law.

Informal talks and negotiations are ongoing among various representatives ahead of the elections, but no formal agreements have yet been reached. Meanwhile, Gilad Erdan is confronting media reports about his political moves and has threatened to sue Channel 14 commentator and presenter Yaakov Bardugo for defamation. Bardugo claimed on air that Erdan decided to form a new party only after being denied a reserved spot on the Likud list by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Erdan's legal warning letter categorically denies these allegations, stating he never requested a reserved seat on the Likud list nor engaged in any related negotiations. The letter accuses Bardugo of spreading politically motivated falsehoods and demands a public correction and apology to mitigate damage to Erdan's reputation. The letter emphasizes the severity of the defamation, especially given Erdan's active role in the public and political arena.

These political maneuvers and legal threats highlight the fluid and contentious nature of right-wing politics in Israel as the next elections approach.