Reserve General Ofer Winter Plans New Party, Rejects Alliance With Smotrich

Reserve Brigadier General Ofer Winter is expected to announce the formation of a new political party in the coming days, pending his final decision. Winter, who served as commander of the Fire Formation and military secretary to the defense minister, is currently in talks with several figures, including bereaved mother Lali Deri and well-known spokesperson Yosef Hadad, who recently registered a party. Winter's representatives have urged patience regarding the announcement.

Winter has explicitly ruled out joining forces with Religious Zionism leader Bezalel Smotrich ahead of the upcoming elections. In private discussions, Winter emphasized his intention to run independently and dismissed reports of negotiations with Smotrich, stating, "I am not sectoral. I did not command sectoral soldiers. I will run alone regardless." Despite repeated media speculation about a possible political alliance or offers exchanged between the two, Winter and Smotrich have not communicated.

Winter also made a controversial remark about Hamas, referring to them dismissively as "some Palestinians from Tzukmakim," indicating his view of them as an enemy. This statement underscores his military background and perspective on security issues. The political landscape remains fluid as Winter prepares to enter the race with a new party, potentially reshaping the right-wing bloc dynamics.