Ultra-Orthodox Protesters Hurl Abuse at Reserve Brigadier General Ofer Winter in Jerusalem

On August 4, 2026, ultra-Orthodox protesters gathered outside a recruitment event in Jerusalem and verbally attacked Reserve Brigadier General Ofer Winter as he passed by. The protesters shouted insults such as "Ofer Winter, you have no forgiveness," "inciter and agitator," "traitor to the Jewish people," and declared he has "no part in Judaism." In a separate incident near the event, ultra-Orthodox protesters chased another ultra-Orthodox man suspected of encouraging enlistment.

Ofer Winter is a former commander of the Fire Brigade, military secretary to the defense minister, head of the Central Command staff, and commander of the Givati Brigade. He supports integrating Torah study with the enlistment of ultra-Orthodox men who are not full-time yeshiva students. Winter is considering entering politics in the upcoming elections and has been in talks with retired Major General Amir Avivi, founder of the "Security Activists" movement. For about a year, Winter has held conferences and private meetings but has not yet officially declared his candidacy.

Recently, Winter released videos criticizing the government and opposition leaders. His name has been mentioned as a potential candidate on a list with Bezalel Smotrich, although he may run with a new party of his own.