Netanyahu Expresses Distrust in Winter Ahead of New Right-Wing Party Launch
Translated & summarized from Arutz Sheva by baba
Before Ofir Winter announced his new right-wing party, Prime Minister Netanyahu expressed distrust, fearing it would split the right-wing vote. Winter is forming the party with key allies, but faces criticism from right-wing figures like Yehoshua Shani, who warn the move could weaken the bloc during a critical period for Israel.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Netanyahu privately said he does not trust Ofir Winter before Winter's party announcement.
- Netanyahu fears Winter's party could split or divert right-wing votes to a rival government.
- Winter is forming a new right-wing party with allies Yosef Hadad and Leli Deri.
- Yehoshua Shani, a bereaved father and right-wing leader, strongly criticized Winter's move.
- Shani warned the new party risks weakening the right-wing bloc during a crucial time for Israel.
- Shani emphasized leadership means responsibility, urging unity in the national camp.
Before Ofir Winter announced the formation of a new political party, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu privately expressed distrust towards him. According to a report by i24, Netanyahu feared Winter's party could split the right-wing bloc, either wasting votes or diverting them to a government led by Benny Gantz's ally, Gadi Eisenkot. Netanyahu reportedly said, "I do not trust Winter," highlighting concerns about further fragmentation of the right.
Winter has been working recently to establish a new right-wing party, engaging with figures such as public diplomacy activist Yosef Hadad and Leli Deri, who lost her son in the "Sword of Iron" operation and previously ran in Likud primaries. Hadad is expected to be placed second on the party list.
Earlier, Yehoshua Shani, a bereaved father and chairman of the Valor Forum, sharply criticized Winter's move, joining other right-wing voices opposing the new party. Shani called the timing inappropriate during a critical period for Israel, describing the initiative as "another ego, another split, and a mysterious video like a thriller trailer." While acknowledging Winter's respected military background, Shani warned that the new party could endanger the right-wing bloc by siphoning off votes. He concluded by emphasizing that leadership requires responsibility and urged against dividing the national camp at this crucial time.
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