Ex-Givati Commander Ofer Winter Negotiates New Right-Wing Party with Yosef Hadad and Liel Deri

Former Givati Brigade commander Brigadier General (res.) Ofer Winter is actively working to establish a new right-wing political party in Israel. In recent days, he has been engaged in advanced negotiations with several prominent figures, including public diplomacy activist Yosef Hadad and Liel Deri, a bereaved mother and former Likud primary candidate.

Hadad was recently revealed as the initiator behind the registration of a new party called "Brave Israel," though his name does not appear on official documents. Sources familiar with the process indicate that Hadad is behind the list and has been in talks about a possible alliance with Winter, who has so far responded to inquiries with "patience." Liel Deri, who lost her son Saadia in the recent "Sword of Iron" operation in Gaza, resides in the West Bank settlement of Eli and is associated with the Religious Zionist sector. She is a member of the "Maaminim" political movement, which seeks alternative representation for the Religious Zionist community, distinct from Bezalel Smotrich.

Political insiders say Winter aims to create a new right-wing party despite the crowded field, arguing that Likud and other veteran parties in Netanyahu’s bloc will fail to regain right-wing voters disappointed by the current coalition, especially after Netanyahu’s reserved slots and the recent Likud primaries. Winter’s party is expected to join the right-wing bloc but refuses to form a government with Gadi Eisenkot, leader of the "Yashar!" party, against whom Winter has spoken harshly. Winter also intends to bring fresh faces into politics and is not interested in alliances with Smotrich, Itamar Ben-Gvir, or reserved slots in Likud.

Winter’s team reiterated a call for patience, while Hadad confirmed he is considering entering politics and is currently exploring options through discussions with various figures. No response was received from Liel Deri’s representatives.